Computerized Morphometry and Three-Dimensional Image Reconstruction in the Evaluation of Scalp Biopsy from Patients with Non-Cicatricial Alopecias

In a 2003 study, researchers used computer-assisted morphometry and 3D image reconstruction to analyze scalp biopsies from nine patients with non-cicatricial alopecias. The technique involved step-sectioning biopsies and digitizing them for detailed analysis. It proved to be potentially more sensitive in detecting subtle follicular changes than conventional methods. Morphometric analysis agreed with clinical diagnoses in four patients, but revealed discrepancies in telogen counts in the other five, with one patient showing a lower count and four showing higher counts, indicating a possible coexistence of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. The study suggested that this method could improve the diagnosis and management of hair loss conditions, but noted that further validation was needed.