Otic Lichen Planus More Common Than Once Thought

earLichen planus, an autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes a pruritic rash to develop on the skin, nails, hair and mouth, may affect the ears more commonly than previously believed. 

Otic lichen planus, involving pruritus, otorrhea, and hearing loss, was found in 19 patients over a 10-year period according to records from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  Because these symptoms are not evocative of lichen planus, it is often overlooked during diagnosis. 

Researchers analyzed medical records from patients seen between January of 2001 and May of 2011.  Of the 19 cases of otic lichen planus identified, 15 were in women, 15 experienced otorrhea and hearing loss, and 11 experienced both symptoms simultaneously. 

Thickening of tympanic membranes, erythema, and external canal stenosis were the most common exam findings. 

Many of the patients had been previously diagnosed with other forms of lichen planus, and only 5 had otic lichen planus exclusively. 

–Michael Potts

References

Valinotti J, Bruce A, Beatty C, et al.  The Mayo Clinic experience with otic lichen planus: A 10-year review.  AAD. 2013;68(4):AB65.  http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2812%2901551-4/fulltext Published March 2013. Accessed March 6, 2013.