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Lichen Planus-Like Drug Eruptions Due to β-Blockers: A Case Report and Literature Review

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 labetato...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of clinical dermatology 2012-12, Vol.13 (6), p.417-421
Main Authors: Fessa, Chris, Lim, Penny, Kossard, Steve, Richards, Shawn, Peñas, Pablo Fernandez
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1175-0561
1179-1888
DOI:10.2165/11634590-000000000-00000