Lichen planus induced by interferon-alpha-2a therapy for chronic active hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE

To report the development of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive chronic active hepatitis with lichen planus in a patient during interferon treatment.

DESIGN

Case report and literature review.

PATIENT: A 64-year-old anti-HCV and HCV-RNA-positive woman.

INTERVENTIONS: The patient received interferon-alpha-2a treatment for histologically proven chronic active hepatitis.

RESULTS

Four months after the start of treatment the patient developed multiple cutaneous lesions on her hands, feet and back. A skin biopsy led to the diagnosis of lichen planus. The withdrawal of interferon was followed by a marked improvement in the cutaneous lesions, but not complete regression.

CONCLUSION

This case shows that HCV-positive patients with chronic active hepatitis may develop lichen planus during interferon therapy.