Lichen planus-lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome

Abstract

The combination of lichen planus and lupus erythematosus is rare: the number of overlap syndrome cases described in the world literature does not exceed 50. The clinical picture of the overlap syndrome is variable: patients have discoid lesions of lupus erythematosus and typical flat-topped polygonal papules of lichen planus, as well as joint manifestations in the form of livid-red plaques with central atrophy and superficial desquamation. Laboratory testing reveals positive antinuclear antibody. The histopathological picture is characterized by a combination of histological signs of lichen planus and lupus erythematosus. In some cases, clinical and immunological signs of systemic lupus erythematosus are found in patients with the overlap syndrome. We describe two cases of lichen planussystemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome.