Facts, Views & Vision
in ObGyn

Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Vaginal lichen sclerosus: report of two cases

J. Xavier1, P. Vieira-Baptista1, A. Moreira2, R. Portugal3, J. Beires1.

1Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal, 2Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetricia, Centro Hospitalar Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal and 3Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal.

Keywords:

vulvar dermatosis, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, mucosal lichen sclerosus


Published online: Feb 16 2018

Abstract

Background: Lichen sclerosus most commonly affects the genital area. Contrarily to lichen planus, the involvement of the oral or vaginal mucosa is rare. Only four cases of vaginal lichen sclerosus have been described in the literature.

Case report: The authors report two cases of postmenopausal women with a history of vulvar pruritus and burning. Both presented with lesions of the vaginal mucosa compatible with lichen sclerosus, and genital prolapse. Vaginal biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Initial treatment with topical clobetasol was effective in one of the patients, but in the other patient line therapy with pimecrolimus, triamcinolone, and retinoids was needed.

Conclusion: Vaginal lichen sclerosus may be underdiagnosed and genital prolapse may favour the development of vaginal lesions.