Abstract

Lichen planus-like drug eruptions (LDE) can appear similar or identical to idiopathic lichen planus. We present a 45-year-old man with a widespread, violaceous, papular, generalized exanthema with histologic features of a lichenoid reaction, which subsequently resolved with the cessation of labetatol. We found 29 cases of previously reported β-adrenoceptor antagonist (β-blocker)-associated LDE. This is a relatively rare complication that may present as classic lichenoid papules indistinguishable from lichen planus and has a predilection for the limbs, chest, back, and oral mucosa. Histologically, there is a lichenoid infiltrate often with eosinophils. LDE may be due to drug cross-reactivity or as a result of a suppressed skin adrenergic system. Multiple potential medications in case studies and the inability to differentiate LDE from idiopathic lichen planus in cross-sectional association studies make any conclusive analysis difficult.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Fessa C, Lim P, Kossard S, Richards S, Peñas PF

Institution

Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia. cfessa@yahoo.com.au

Source

American journal of clinical dermatology 13:6 2012 Dec 1 pg 417-21

MeSH

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
Drug Eruptions
Humans
Labetalol
Lichen Planus
Male
Middle Aged

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports
Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22809321