Linear lichen planus and lichen striatus-opposite ends of a spectrum

Abstract

The linear pattern of lichen planus (LP) is extremely rare. In six publications 1256 patients with LP have been reviewed and only three cases of linear LP (LLP) are reported. The differential diagnosis of LLP includes a number of linear dermatoses in particular lichen striatus (LS) and the extent of overlap between these syndromes remains contentious.

Lichenoid eruptions in children

“…In fact, the histologic overlap between the two diseases has led to the assertion by a number of authors that a disease intermediate between linear LP and LStr can sometimes occur. [80][81][82] Direct immunofluorescence has been proposed to distinguish the two diseases in ambiguous cases with Civatte body staining with IgM, IgG, and C3 being positive in LP and negative in LStr. 16 …”

Lichen striatus in Adults or ‘Adult Blaschkitis’?

“…Even if it is conceivable, it remains hypothetical whether LS represents a linear pattern of neurodermatitis. Furthermore, the debate is still going on whether LS and linear lichen ruber represent opposite ends of the same spectrum [15, 35]. …”

Líquen Estriado Seguido de Líquen Plano Clássico: Estados dum Espectro de Doença?

“…Histologically, the condition was consistent with LP and, in addition, showed occasional plasma cells in the upper dermal inflammatory infiltrate, which has been described in LS. 7 Rubio et al described a similar case of a 29-year-old woman with an asymptomatic and spontaneously resolving linear eruption that left residual hyperpigmentation. Histology was more consistent with the microscopic diagnosis of LP.…”

“…With all these elements these authors suggest that some patients may have an intermediate form between these two entities. 7,8 The overlap between LP and LS is very rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature. These cases prompt the question whether distinction between these two diseases is justified or whether they merely represent different states of a same disease spectrum.…”

“…1,5,7,8 Pulgar et al described a case of a 7-year-old girl, with a clinical and histological diagnosis of LS, that months later developed a generalized eruption that was compatible with LP. 1 Finkus described a case of simultaneous occurrence of LS and LP in a 37-year-old man.…”