Coexistence of Generalized Morphea with Histological Changes in Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus and Lichen Planus

Abstract

We reported a 44-year-old Japanese woman with generalized multiple sclerotic plaques, which showed histological findings of morphea. This patient also had an erosive lesion on her mouth; its histological findings were consistent with lichen planus. A sclerotic lesion on her thigh showed the histological findings of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA). These data suggest that similar etiologic events or closely related pathologic processes are involved in morphea, lichen planus, and LSA.

Linear Lichen Sclerosus along the Blaschko's Line of the Face

“…Morphea and LSA coexisting in the same biopsy specimen has also been described 10 . With sequential biopsies, several investigators have reported transition from LSA to morphea or vice versa 10,11 . However, other investigators believe there are enough clinical and histologic differences between LSA and morphea to argue that they are distict diseases and that coexistent lesions are coincidental 1 .…”

“…So, the histopathological findings are crucial for making the differential diagnosis between LSA and morphea. Many authors have described coexistent LSA and morphea 9,10 . Morphea and LSA coexisting in the same biopsy specimen has also been described 10 .…”

“…Many authors have described coexistent LSA and morphea 9,10 . Morphea and LSA coexisting in the same biopsy specimen has also been described 10 . With sequential biopsies, several investigators have reported transition from LSA to morphea or vice versa 10,11 .…”

Lichen scléreux acral

“…Des similitudes entre lichen scléreux, lichen plan et morphées existent. Ces affections peuvent d'ailleurs être associées [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], suggérant des mécanismes étiopathogéniques communs. Si divers facteurs ont été évoqués, l'étiologie du LS reste inconnue et probablement multifactorielle.…”

Irradiation-Induced Morphea: X-Rays as Triggers of Autoimmunity

“…The coexistence of diseases with an autoimmune pathogenesis, such as morphea, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and lupus erythematosus are well-known [35,36,37]. Patients with preexisting scleroderma are at increased risk of experiencing a worsening of their condition after radiotherapy, as are patients with other conditions from the spectrum of autoimmune diseases [15].…”