Alopecia in Patients with Collagen VI-Related Myopathies: A Novel Unrecognized Scalp Phenotype

The study investigated the relationship between collagen VI-related myopathies and scalp disorders, including alopecia. Five patients with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy were examined, all of whom reported hair loss and scalp itching. Various scalp conditions were diagnosed: one patient had psoriasis, two had folliculitis decalvans, and two had folliculitis and perifolliculitis. An additional ten patients responded to a questionnaire, with six confirming scalp disorders and/or itching. The study suggests that collagen VI mutations may be associated with these scalp conditions, including alopecia. However, more research is needed due to the small sample size and the rarity of the disease.