Abstract

LOPEZ-LABADY, J  and  VILLARROEL DORREGO, M. A comparative study between Oral Lichen Planus and Lupus Erythematosus in a Venezuelan group. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2008, vol.46, n.2, pp.151-154. ISSN 0001-6365.

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and Lupus Erythematosus are chronic immunological diseases which affect women principally. OLP is the most important differential diagnosis of oral lesions of LE. Sometimes it is very difficult, even using clinical and histopathological parameters, differentiate them. The aim of this study was to describe and compare oral lesions diagnosed as OLP and LE and establish their differences and similarities. 20 patients diagnosed as OLP and 10 patients with oral LE were included in the study. Clinical, histopathological and immunopathological data were collected, analysed and compared.  Female was the most common gender for both diseases. LE patients showed a lower mean of age.  Reticular plaques were the most common clinical funding in OLP, conversely desquamative plaques in lips, ulcers irradiated by with plaques in the oral mucosa and red plaques were observed in LE.  Some histopathological features were common to both diseases. OLP is a frequent disease which share similar characteristics with oral LE. Although, LE is not as common oral manifestation may be easily confused with OLP.

Keywords : Lupus erythematosus; Oral Lichen planus; oral lesions; histopathology.