A Case of Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis Associated with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Improved with Acitretin Treatment / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis(EV) is a rare disease characterized by a unique susceptibility to widespread infection with human papilloma virus. It induces flat papular skin lesions, characterized by large vacuolated cells in the upper epithelial layers. We report a patient of EV in association with non-Hodgkin"s lymphoma(NHL) improved with systemic acitretin treatment. A 69-year-old man presented multiple red flat-topped papules and plaques on his face and upper extremities for 12 years. Past various therapeutic modalities including DPCP sensitization were entirely ineffective. Several years ago, NHL of cervical lymph node was diagnosed. With the treatments with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he is now in remission state. His skin biopsy specimen showed extensive vacuolation of upper malpighian layer. Bleomycin IL trial showed no response. Only 1 week after oral acitretin administration, his lesions began to exfoliate and became much flatter. Acitretin was effective but not suitable for maintenance therapy.