Bullous lichen sclerosus-generalized morphea overlap syndrome improved by tofacitinib

Dermatol Ther. 2022 Dec;35(12):e15942. doi: 10.1111/dth.15942. Epub 2022 Nov 3.

Abstract

We here report a case of a middle-aged man with an unusual case of bullous lichen sclerosus complicated with generalized morphea. He showed initial recurrent flaccid bullae, followed by ivory-white sclerotic plaques and extensive skin sclerosis, with additional walking disorder caused by knee-joint contracture, and ulcers on the lower extremities and back. The patient had no visceral involvement. After oral hydroxychloroquine and oral corticosteroids failed, the patient was given tofacitinib, which resolved his ulcers after 4 weeks and ameliorated his knee-joint contracture and skin sclerosis within 4 months. Owing to the occurrence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, he stopped using tofacitinib, and the ulcer and walking disorder reappeared. This is rare case of bullous lichen sclerosus-generalized morphea overlap syndrome. The patient recovered well after treatment with tofacitinib. His symptoms recurred after discontinuation of tofacitinib.

Keywords: Janus kinase inhibitors; bullous lichen sclerosus; generalized morphea; tofacitinib; treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Contracture*
  • Humans
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Scleroderma, Localized* / complications
  • Scleroderma, Localized* / diagnosis
  • Scleroderma, Localized* / drug therapy
  • Scleroderma, Systemic*
  • Sclerosis / complications
  • Skin Diseases*
  • Ulcer

Substances

  • tofacitinib