Does Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus Represent a Segmental Type 1/Type 2 Mosaic of Psoriasis?

Abstract

Background: A 6-year-old girl with a symmetric linear eruption on both of her legs, clinically and histologically resembling inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) or linear psoriasis (LP), with concomitant psoriasis of the guttata type and a positive family history of psoriasis is presented. The questions as to whether LP actually exists and ILVEN represents a distinct entity are still under debate. Objective and Methods: The recent literature concerning case reports of ILVEN and LP is reviewed. Results: Case reports of ILVEN and LP can be subdivided into four different groups: (1) ILVEN with or without concomitant psoriasis, only in part reacting to antipsoriatic treatment, (2) ILVEN without concomitant psoriasis, (3) LP with concomitant psoriasis vulgaris, with both groups 2 and 3 reacting successfully to antipsoriatic treatment, and (4) LP without concomitant psoriasis vulgaris and with no family history of psoriasis (very rarely reported). Conclusion: It is hypothesized that inflammatory linear verrucous eruption besides nevoid psoriasis/LP represents a further segmental type 1/type 2 mosaic of psoriasis which, if a (verrucous) epidermal nevus exists, shows a high affinity of occurrence in close context to such a nevus. Heritability is thought to be possible.

Superimposed segmental manifestation of polygenic skin disorders

“…To describe the coexistence of segmental and nonsegmental lesions of a polygenic disorder, some authors have proposed the terms ''type 2 mosaicism'' 6,21,55 or ''type 2 segmental mosaicism,'' 20 and, even in a case of isolated linear lichen planus, a ''type 2 LOH pattern'' has been assumed. 33 Such terminology, however, reflects a misunderstanding.…”

Inflammatory Verrucous Epidermal Naevus Presenting as a Psoriasiform Plaque

“…This debate is nicely illustrated in a recent issue of Dermatology, where Thomas Hofer hypothesized that ILVEN might represent a mosaic form of psoriasis [1] whereas Rudolf Happle suggested that ILVEN and linear psoriasis are different entities [2] . We report …”

Linear Psoriasis and ILVEN: Is Lumping or Splitting Appropriate?

“…In this issue, Thomas Hofer [1] presents an unusual case of linear psoriasis superimposed on psoriasis vulgaris. The author is discussing the nosological problem of whether ILVEN and linear psoriasis are different entities.…”

“…For example, the case presented by Hofer [1] fulfi ls all of the clinical criteria of linear psoriasis [3] . A grandfather of the patient had had psoriasis vulgaris since his youth.…”

“…In contrast to Hofer's view, I propose to distinguish the following 3 categories: (1) cases that undoubtedly represent linear psoriasis [4][5][6][7][8] ; (2) cases that undoubtedly…”