TLDR Using both vertical and transverse sections gives a better diagnosis of alopecia than using one method alone.
In the 2005 study involving 102 archived hair biopsy cases, researchers found that combining vertical and transverse sections was superior for diagnosing alopecia compared to using either method alone. The study revealed that in 76 cases, diagnoses from both section types agreed with the original diagnosis, while in 20 cases, only vertical sections and in 4 cases, only transverse sections were concordant with the original diagnosis. Transverse sections were particularly useful for assessing follicular density and morphology, as well as the anagen-telogen ratio, aiding in the diagnosis of telogen effluvium and pattern alopecia. Vertical sections were more valuable for diseases with significant epidermal changes. The study recommended using both section types when possible and emphasized the importance of step sections and skilled pathologists for accurate diagnosis. However, the study was limited by its focus on scarring alopecia and changes in nomenclature over time.
137 citations,
July 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies are more reliable for diagnosing hair loss in women when three samples are taken instead of one.
38 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Accurate clinical, histological, and genetic methods are key for understanding and treating hair disorders.
15 citations,
February 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The study suggests computer-assisted analysis of scalp biopsies could improve hair loss diagnosis but needs more validation.
129 citations,
June 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology” African Americans have less hair density than whites.
71 citations,
March 1995 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using both vertical and transverse sections for alopecia biopsies improves diagnosis without extra cost.
309 citations,
May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
42 citations,
December 1990 in “The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology” The study found that horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are better for analyzing hair loss, showing fewer hairs and more fine hairs in balding areas.
309 citations,
May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
16 citations,
February 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Scalp biopsies from dermatomyositis patients show chronic hair loss without scarring, with mucin and blood vessel changes being very common.
2 citations,
January 2018 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” The most effective way to diagnose non-scarring hair loss is by transverse sectioning, and some cases, particularly in males with inflammation around hair follicles, might be curable.
44 citations,
January 2011 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” The HoVert technique is a simple, cost-effective new method that improves alopecia diagnosis by allowing detailed analysis from a single biopsy.
5 citations,
November 2017 in “Dermatologica Sinica” Transverse scalp biopsies are more accurate for diagnosing non-cicatricial alopecia, but examining both types is best for accuracy.
