Lichen Aureus

Abstract

Lichen aureus (LA) presents an inflammatory infiltrate with a lichenoid pattern, which mainly localizes to the superficial dermis, and it is admixed with extravasated erythrocytes. We present the case of a 12-year-old male who had a 1.3-cm golden-brown-color patch on the right upper back for 2 weeks. Histopathologic examination revealed a lichenoid, superficial, and deep perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate with perineural and periappendageal involvement, extravasated erythrocytes, papillary dermal edema, and hemosiderophages. The perineural and periappendageal infiltrate is unusual for LA and suggestive of lichen striatus (LS). In addition, the presence of perineural inflammation is not a common feature for either LA or LS. However, given the clinical findings, taken together, these features were interpreted as being most consistent with LA. To the best of our knowledge, no previous case of LA has been reported with histological features of perineural inflammation and LS.

Lichen Aureus with Dermoscopic Findings: A case report

“…Lichen aureus (LA), first described by Martin in 1958 and termed as "lichen purpuricus", is characterized by isolated golden to rustbrown patches or plaques (2). LA has a predilection for young adults, and less frequently for children (3). The etiology remains unclear but several factors have been proposed such as venous insufficiency, capillary fragility, contact allergy, focal infections, adverse effects of drugs (acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, adalin, carbromal, chlordiazepoxide, glipizide, glybuzole, hydralazine, meprobamate, persantin, reserpine, thiamine, interferon alpha, and medroxyprogesterone acetate injection), hyperlipidemia and alcohol ingestion (4,5).…”

Adnexotropic Variants of the Interface Dermatitides: A Review

“…On histopathology, a band-like lymphohistiocytic infiltrate can be seen in the upper dermis without basal cell vacuolization. Red cell extravasation may also be seen [41,42]. Lichen aureus may also demonstrate periadnexal inflammation (Figure 9) [41,42].…”

“…Red cell extravasation may also be seen [41,42]. Lichen aureus may also demonstrate periadnexal inflammation (Figure 9) [41,42]. One study noted periadnexal inflammation in 48% of cases, being the second most common finding after hemosiderin deposition [43].…”

Segmental lichen aureus: an uncommon presentation

“…Lichen aureus is an inflammatory dermatosis considered to be a form of chronic pigmented purpuric dermatoses. 1 , 2 Of unknown etiology, it is rare among vascular purpuric dermatoses and presents itself as a reddish, brownish, violaceous, or ferruginous well-delimited lichenoid lesion. It is localized and usually solitary, with mild or absent pruritus.…”

“…It appears preferentially on lower limbs and more frequently in children and young adult males. 1 , 3 , 4 …”