Lipschütz Ulcer and SARS-CoV-2: What We Currently Know?

Abstract

Background: In recent years, several interesting case reports have been published which describe the possible role of SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination in the etiopathogenesis of Lipschütz ulcer. Our aim is to analyze this association and provide a rapid algorithm that is of support to gynecologists and dermatologists both in the diagnosis and in setting up the therapy. To do so, in this paper, we describe an interesting case of acute vulvar ulcer triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection and review the related literature. Methods: We conducted a literature review including papers published between October 2021 and April 2023, and we described the case of a patient referred to our clinic with Lipschütz ulcer and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: In almost all cases analyzed, a correlation with SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination was found; ulcers usually manifest after 2 to 4 weeks and are associated with flu-like symptoms. A concordance in review papers, as well as in our case report, was also found about the treatment, which is mainly symptomatic. Conclusions: Previous infection or vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 should be included as possible etiopathogenetic factors in the onset of Lipschütz ulcer.

Keywords

• Lipschütz ulcer
• acute vulvar ulcer
• non-sexually transmitted vulvar aphthosis
• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19