PERSISTENT ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME WITH CHRON IC HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-INFECTION, RESOLUTING WITH ALPHA-INTERFERON

Introduction. Persistant erythema multiforme is a rare form of erythem a multiforme with subacute typical and atypical lesions that occur dur ing several months. Some cases are associated with chronic viral infec tion. Case report. A 23 year -old man, with a past history of intravei nous drug addiction and chronic hepatitis C virus infection, presented persistant erythema multiforme for 18 months. The histopathological p icture was those of infectious erythema multiforme and the seric total complement level was low. Two courses of alpha-interferon treatment w ere quickly efficient on cutaneous lesions, and relapse occured after discontinuation. Discussion. In previously reported cases of persistan t erythema multiforme, etiologic complementary investigations are not always specified. However, viral infections should be considered. In c ases of chronic infection, hepatitis C may induce immune disorders thr ough persistent antigenic stimulation.