The histopathologic diagnosis of traction alopecia: An evidence-based model.
J Am Acad Dermatol
; 89(4): 745-749, 2023 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37356624
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Traction alopecia (TA) is common, but histopathologic criteria for TA have not been objectively defined.OBJECTIVE:
Determine whether the pauci-follicular unit (PFU) can be used as a diagnostic criterion for TA. Compared to a normal follicular unit (NFU), the PFU is a noninflamed follicular unit with an intact sebaceous gland but fewer than 2 follicles.METHODS:
A retrospective review of 25 cases of TA and 25 cases of "normal scalp" was performed. Data included all follicles (by size and phase), sebaceous glands, and total follicular units.RESULTS:
Comparing data (traction vs normal), we found a significantly higher number of PFUs in cases of TA (median 6 vs 0, P < .001), which can be used as a helpful and easily recognizable diagnostic tool in diagnosing cases of TA.LIMITATIONS:
Comparison to other forms of alopecia was not performed.CONCLUSIONS:
The number of PFUs in an alopecia biopsy can be used to establish the diagnosis of TA.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Scalp
/
Traction
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Am Acad Dermatol
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Publication country:
EEUU
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA
/
EUA
/
UNITED STATES
/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
/
US
/
USA