ABSTRACT
Background and. Aim: Lichen planus [LP] is a chronic mucocutaneous disorder mediated by the impaired immunity' in which the concomitance of clinical and histopathological findings are necessary for a definite diagnosis. In case of discrepancy between clinical and histopathological findings, use of adjunct diagnostic methods such as direct immunofluorescence [DIF] is recommended. This study sought to assess the repeatability of clinico histopathological findings and direct immunofluorescence of fixed, paraffin embedded specimens for diagnosis of LP.
Matertuh and Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, 49 oral and cutaneous LP specimens were subjected to DIF assessment using fibrinogen, c3 and IgM. The intensity of fluorescence staining was graded as 0, I or 2' Findings were compared in each group and between oral and cutaneous LP groups using statistical tests.
Results: Statistical unulyr",, "rr"aled a correlation between C3 and IgM expression [Spearman's rho: 0'697, p=0'000]' which was more prominent in cutaneous specimens [p:0.000]. Additionally, a correlation was observed between fibrinogen and IgM expression in oral LP [Spearman's rho: 0.764, p:0.02].
Conclusion:It seems that DIF assessment of formalin-fixed, paraffrn embedded specimens using C3' fibrinogen and IgM does not have adequate repeatability for clinico-histopathological findings; although, combined application of C3 and IgM in cutaneous uoa IgVt and fibrinogen in oral LP specimens showed higher repeatability.