Erythema dyschromicum perstans and hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Kontochristopoulos George J. , Aroni Kyriaki , Anagnostopoulos George , Nakopoulou Lydia , Tassopoulos Nicholas C. 
Published: March 2003

A 48‐year‐old woman with a 10‐month history of widespread, hyperpigmented, slightly pruritic macules, with a red border, involving the trunk and the proximal limbs (Fig. 1) was referred to our outpatient department. The oral mucosa, palms, soles, scalp, and nails were normal.

Multiple hyperpigmented macules with an active border on the trunk

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Laboratory tests showed elevated liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 68 IU/L (normal value, < 40 IU/L); aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 41 IU/L (normal value, < 40 IU/L)], the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) and HCV RNA (Amplicor Roche). In addition, cryoglobulinemia type III (IgMκ,λ, IgGκ,λ) was detected with a high cryocrit value, and there was detectable C‐reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and a low titer of antinuclear antibodies (1 : 80). A percutaneous liver biopsy showed changes compatible with mild chronic hepatitis (grade, 6; stage, 0). The possible source of infection was unknown, as the patient had no history of parenteral transmission (e.g. blood transfusions, intravenous illicit drug use). A skin biopsy specimen from the active border of a lesion showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and hydropic degeneration of the basal cell layer, with the formation of colloid bodies in the epidermis. A moderate perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with melanophages and free melanin granules was observed in the upper dermis (Fig. 2). Immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded tissue sections with the TORDJT‐22 IgG1 mouse monoclonal antibody to HCV (Biogenex, Son Ramon, USA), which is specific for the nonstructural region of HCV (NS3‐NSH, C100 antigen) using the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex (ABC) as well as the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase (APAAP) methods, failed to detect HCV in the lesion of erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) (Nakopoulou L, Manolaki N, Lazaris A et al. Tissue immunodetection of C100 hepatitis C virus antigen in major thalassemic patients. Hepato‐Gastroenterol 1999; 46: 2515–2520). Direct immunofluorescence showed IgG, IgM, IgA, and fibrinogen deposits on colloid bodies. EDP was diagnosed on the basis of these clinical and laboratory findings.

Hydropic degeneration of the basal cell layer with colloid bodies in the epidermis. Moderate perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with melanophages and free melanin granules in the upper dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, × 200)

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The patient was treated with interferon‐α2b (Intron‐A, Schering Plough Athens, Greece), 3 MU thrice weekly subcutaneously for 12 months, with additional topical steroid application. There was no response to this treatment with new lesions appearing in previously unaffected areas of the trunk and extremities. HCV RNA remained persistently positive. Thus, a modified regimen with interferon‐α2b, 6 MU thrice weekly for 6 months, was tried. At the end of the treatment course, the eruption of EDP had greatly improved. Liver enzymes were normal (ALT, 22 IU/L; AST, 24 IU/L) and HCV RNA had become negative. Four months later, however, cutaneous lesions reappeared and hepatitis C relapsed. At this time point, combination therapy of interferon‐α2b, 3 MU thrice weekly, with ribavirin, 1000 mg daily, was given. Six months later, liver enzymes were normal (ALT, 42 IU/L; AST, 39 IU/L), HCV RNA was negative, and the lesions of EDP had resolved.