Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Sharma R, Lee H, et al. Lichen planus. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-70994
Lichen planus refers to a dermatological condition that typically affects the skin, nails, oral cavity, genitals or perineum.
The prevalence of lichen planus varies according to studies but is estimated to be approximately 0.22-5% worldwide. Lichen planus occurs in all age groups, but is most often represented in adulthood between 30-80 years old of age 2.
Associations
Skin lesions are characterized by violaceous scaly pruritic plaque eruption while oral lesions are characterized by erosions and lace-like reticular plaques. If affecting the esophagus, dysphagia may be present 5.
It is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes over time. However, they are considered a risk factor for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas 1.
Fluoroscopy
Barium swallow
In lichen planus affecting the esophagus, barium swallow may reveal indicated strictures and narrowing of the esophagus 6. Narrowing is generally symmetrical and involves smooth contours 6.
Treatment and prognosis
Management depends on severity and location of lichen planus. Treatment options include topical or systemic steroids, retinoids and phototherapy 3.
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1. Andreas M. Rauschecker, Marc S. Levine, Matthew J. Whitson, Rashmi Tondon, Stephen E. Rubesin, Emma E. Furth, David C. Metz. Esophageal Lichen Planus: Clinical and Radiographic Findings in Eight Patients. (2016) American Journal of Roentgenology. 208 (1): 101-106. doi:10.2214/AJR.16.16793 - Pubmed
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2. Cheng Y, Gould A, Kurago Z, Fantasia J, Muller S. Diagnosis of Oral Lichen Planus: A Position Paper of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2016;122(3):332-54. doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2016.05.004 - Pubmed
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3. Le Cleach L & Chosidow O. Lichen Planus. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(8):723-32. doi:10.1056/nejmcp1103641
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4. Bigby M. The Relationship Between Lichen Planus and Hepatitis C Clarified. Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(9). doi:10.1001/archderm.145.9.1048
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5. Katzka D, Smyrk T, Bruce A, Romero Y, Alexander J, Murray J. Variations in Presentations of Esophageal Involvement in Lichen Planus. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010;8(9):777-82. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2010.04.024 - Pubmed
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6. Rauschecker A, Levine M, Whitson M et al. Esophageal Lichen Planus: Clinical and Radiographic Findings in Eight Patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2017;208(1):101-6. doi:10.2214/ajr.16.16793 - Pubmed
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