Plasma Cell Vulvitis: A Case Series and Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVES

Plasma cell vulvitis (PCV) is a rare inflammatory vulvar condition. The aim of this study was to describe the natural history, treatment, impact on quality of life, and factors associated with poorer outcomes for PCV.

METHODS

A mixed-methods approach was used combining a retrospective case note review with a cross-sectional telephone questionnaire. All women diagnosed with PCV attending the vulvar disorders clinic at the Royal Women's Hospital between January 2011 and December 2020 were included.

RESULTS

During the 10-year study period, 7,500 women were seen at the vulval disorders clinic, of whom 21 were diagnosed with PCV (0.28%). Of these women, 12 who were followed up for more than 12 months agreed to participate in the study. At a median of 5 years follow-up, there was variability in symptom severity, with more than half of the women still symptomatic with pain, precipitated by friction and dyspareunia, resulting in a moderate to large impact on quality of life. There were 5 women who were asymptomatic. Only 1 woman had a preexisting history of lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. Potent topical corticosteroids were identified as the preferred treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCV can remain symptomatic for many years with significant impacts on quality of life, which may consequently require long-term support and follow-up.