Annular atrophic lichen planus

Annular Atrophic Lichen planus

“…AALP seems to be a separate entity, characterized by an annular configuration and by the disappearance of elastic fibres in the dermis, which might result from the elastolytic activity of the inflammatory cells [2]. Our case had particular features: the lesion was unique, had a short duration and responded well to long-term topical steroids.…”

“…The elastic fibres are destroyed in the papillary dermis in the border and are fragmented in the centre when studied by electron microscopy [2]. These features explain the atrophy of the lesion [1,3].…”

“…The first case has been reported by Friedman and Hashimoto [2]: a 56-year-old man who presented with chronic and generalized annular LP lesions treated unsuccessfully with topical steroids. The second case has been reported by Requena et al [3]: a 65-year-old black female with a 20-year history of AALP lesions.…”

“…Histopathologic examination shows typical features of LP in the active border and cicatricial features of LP in the centre of the lesion with thinning of the epidermis and fibrosis of dermal papillae [2]. The elastic fibres are destroyed in the papillary dermis in the border and are fragmented in the centre when studied by electron microscopy [2].…”

“…Annular LP is a rare variant of LP, characterized by annular violaceous plaques of the genital area and histopathologic features of LP [1]. AALP is the most unusual variant of LP [2]. It is characterized by violaceous papules with progressive centrifugal extension and a pigmented and atrophic centre [3].…”