Ann Dermatol.  2001 Dec;13(4):211-217. 10.5021/ad.2001.13.4.211.

Histopathologic Evaluation of Linear Lichen Planus and Lichen Striatus

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Linear lichen planus (LLP) and Lichen striatus (LS) are rare disorder that can be confused because they can share similar clinical and histopathologic features.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristic differences and common features between the two disorders histopathologically.
METHODS
We reviewed the clinical records of patients who had been diagnosed as LLP or LS in our dermatology clinic during the 15-year period between 1985 and 1999. We classified twenty seven cases, which were differentiated from other possible linear dermatoses, into LLP and LS on the basis of clinical features, and then compared them histopathologically, and appreciated the characteristic differences or common features of the two disorders.
RESULTS
In cases diagnosed as LLP clinically, epidermal changes were mainly composed of hyperkeratosis (78%), acanthosis (78%), basal degeneration (78%), granular layer thickening (67%) and saw-toothed appearance of rete ridges (44%). In dermis, colloid bodies (78%), band-like inflammatory cell infiltration with pigmentary incontinence (78%) were strik-,ting findings. In cases with clinical features of LS, parakeratosis (50%), dyskeratotic cells scattered in the epidermis (61%) and intercellular edema (39%) were noted in the epidermis. Dermal cellular deposits were focally band-like infiltration(89%), more frequently perivascular in-filtration (83%) and often involved deep dermis (50%), hair follicles (44%) and eccrine glands (22%) in contrast to LLP.
CONCLUSION
This study presents a comparative histopathologic features of LLP and LS. Three cases of LLP with overlapping histopathologic features suggest the possibility that there may be an intermediate form between either end of a spectrum, LLP and LS.

Keyword

Linear lichen planus; Lichen striatus

MeSH Terms

Colloids
Dermatology
Dermis
Eccrine Glands
Edema
Epidermis
Hair Follicle
Humans
Lichen Planus*
Lichens*
Parakeratosis
Skin Diseases
Colloids
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