The association of lichen planus (LP) with liver diseases, first described in 1978 by Rebora et al,1 has successively been confirmed by numerous observations.2 However, the role played by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains to be explained. We describe a man in whom LP developed after an HBV vaccination. Two analogous cases have been observed previously,3,4 and our observation suggests that the vaccine could be involved in the pathogeny.
Report of a Case.
A 50-year-old man who was at risk forHBV infection received HBV vaccine (Gen Hevac B, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France). This is a noninfectant recombinant vaccine produced in mammalian cells, which contains the S and pre-S2 antigens involving the products of the S and pre-S2 regions of HBV DNA. The first dose of vaccine (0.5 mL) was given to our patient in June 1992 and the second (0.5 mL) 1 month later. In August,