Zusammenfassung
Lichen sclerosus vulvae (LS) ist eine chronisch-entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die bevorzugt
bei postmenopausalen Frauen auftritt, jedoch in jedem Lebensalter einschließlich bei
Kindern vorkommt. Die Ursache ist unbekannt. Diskutiert werden in erster Linie autoimmune
und genetische Faktoren. Lokale Faktoren mit chronischer Traumatisierung der vulvären
Haut können ein Trigger der Symptomatik sein. Die Erkrankung zeigt ein weites klinisches
und morphologisches Erscheinungsbild. Die Progression erfolgt von einem ekzemähnlichen
Frühstadium zu einem Spätstadium mit Depigmentierung und Atrophie der Epidermis, Sklerosierung
der Dermis und progressiver Schrumpfungstendenz. Asymptomatische Verlaufsformen kommen
vor. Bei Kindern kann das Bild eines LS mit Veränderungen, wie sie nach sexuellem
Missbrauch entstehen, verwechselt werden. Ein lange bestehender LS mit squamöser Hyperplasie
ist mit einem erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung des Vulvakarzinoms assoziiert. Die
Behandlung besteht in der topischen Applikation superpotenter Glukokortikoide über
eine begrenzte Zeit, womit oft eine komplette Remission erreicht werden kann. Chirurgische
Maßnahmen kommen zur Behandlung von Introitusstenosen, fusionierter Labien und bei
koinzidentem Vulvakarzinom infrage.
Abstract
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which typically
affects postmenopausal women but can occur in all age groups including children. The
etiology of LS remain unknown, but there seems to be a genetic component and a link
with autoimmune diseases. Infectious mechanism, trauma and injury may trigger LS in
susceptible patients. Although LS can occur without symptoms or with mild erythema
and petechiae only, it usually causes substantial discomfort with intractable pruritus
and soreness. Progression to destructive scarring and atrophy is rather common. In
children, the disorder may be confused with changes seen in sexual abuse. There is
also an increased risk of developing a squamous cell carcinoma in longstanding vulvar
LS with squamous hyperplasia. Treatment of choice is potent topical glucocorticoid
ointment for a limited time. Early adequate treatment results in remission and prevents
progression to atrophy and scarring. Surgical treatment may be considered to relieve
effects of scarring and treat a co-existing squamous cell carcinoma.
Schlüsselwörter
Lichen sclerosus - Vulva - Glukokortikoide - Karzinom
Key words
Lichen sclerosus - vulva - glucocorticoid - carcinoma
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Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Olaf Reich
Klinische Abteilung für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe
Geburtshilflich-gynäkologische Universitätsklinik Graz
Auenbruggerplatz 14
8036 Graz
Österreich
Email: olaf.reich@kfunigraz.ac.at