Case of lichen planus pigmentosus–inversus after Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine: cause or coincidence?

Abstract

Our study suggests that patients who suffer from PCLs may represent a risk group for potential life-threatening complications in case of infection with SARS-CoV-2.Risk factors for infections in PCL patients include lymphopenia, chronic organ failure (renal, cardiac or respiratory), Sezary syndrome, other comorbidities (e.g. diabetes and hypertension), aggressive immunosuppressive treatment, advanced/aggressive disease and older age leading to severe COVID-19 symptoms. 5 Several guidelines for the management and the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma during the COVID-19 pandemic have been recently established by the United States CL Consortium and the EORTC CLTF. 6,7 In conclusion, physicians should consider that PCL patients are at risk for severe COVID-19; therefore, reinforced preventive measures and prioritization in vaccination strategies are required.

Extensive acquired macular hyperpigmentation in a teenager

“…1 There have been reports of lichen planus mimicking AD following COVID-19 vaccination. 3,4 Histological findings include basal hyperpigmentation and vacuolar degeneration along the dermoepidermal junction, melanophages and pigmentary incontinence in the dermis and superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, depending on the disease stage. 1,5 Most often histology is nonspecific, with subtle interface changes and predominant pigmentary incontinence, unless an early lesion is biopsied; histopathologists must be therefore made aware of clinical findings.…”

“…and chemicals, seem to act as predisposing factors 1 . There have been reports of lichen planus mimicking AD following COVID‐19 vaccination 3,4 …”

Lichen planus pigmentosus inversus with nail involvement following COVID ‐19 vaccination: A case report

“…Sun et al 5 stated that the patient had hyperpigmented lesions distributed symmetrically in the skin folds without mucosa and nail involvement. 5 In addition, Pfizer‐BioNTech COVID‐19 vaccine has been associated with lichen planus and lichenoid reaction. 6 , 7 , 8 Zagaria et al 6 reported a male patient with lichen planus and nail involvement initiated 10 days after Pfizer‐BioNTech COVID‐19 vaccination.…”

“…However, etiopathogenesis of LPPI has not been clearly identified. 2 , 3 Recently, Sun et al 5 reported a 64‐year‐old female patient who developed LPPI 2 weeks after the first dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine and exacerbation of the disease after the second dose. Sun et al 5 stated that the patient had hyperpigmented lesions distributed symmetrically in the skin folds without mucosa and nail involvement.…”

“… 2 , 3 Recently, Sun et al 5 reported a 64‐year‐old female patient who developed LPPI 2 weeks after the first dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine and exacerbation of the disease after the second dose. Sun et al 5 stated that the patient had hyperpigmented lesions distributed symmetrically in the skin folds without mucosa and nail involvement. 5 In addition, Pfizer‐BioNTech COVID‐19 vaccine has been associated with lichen planus and lichenoid reaction.…”