Direct Immunofluorescence in Oral Lichen Planus and Related Lesions: Sensitivity, Specificity, and Diagnostic Accuracy in a Single Diagnostic Center in Poland

Objectives: Our study aimed to establish the basic reliability parameters of direct immunofluorescence test results in patients with oral lichen planus. Methods: We conducted an evaluation of individual antibody classes in the DIF and ELISA (BP180 antigen), comparing these results with the classical histopathological (HP) examination in a group of patients treated within the standard healthcare in our clinic. Results: Among 66 participants with oral changes indicative of LP, only 50% received histopathological confirmation of the LP diagnosis. Among those with a DIF profile entirely typical for LP (C3+, F+), 57.1% had a positive HP result. Fibrinogen deposits were identified in 42.4% and 36.4% of individuals with positive HP results for F1 and F2, respectively; 78.8% of patients with negative HP and 57.6% with positive HP exhibited no fibrinogen deposits. Simultaneous positivity for F1 and F2 occurred in all cases where F1 was positive. HP confirmed positive DIF for C3 in 50% of cases. Fibrinogen deposits demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (61%). Sensitivity and specificity for fibrinogen deposits were 36% and 42% for F1 and 79% and 82% for F2. The positive predictive values were 67% for F1 and 67% for F2, while the negative predictive values were 58% for F1 and 56% for F2. Overall diagnostic accuracy was reported at 61% for F1 and 59% for F2. Conclusions: Our data indicate the complementarity of HP and immunological test results and the necessity of using both methods together in cases of doubt.