Concordance Among In-Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy, Trichoscopy, and Histopathology in the Evaluation of Alopecia Areata Incognita

October 2024 in “ Dermatology Practical & Conceptual ”

Michela Starace, Nathalie De Carvalho, Daniel Fernandes Melo, Stephano Cedirian, Victor Desmond Mandel, Carla Jorge Machado, Cosimo Misciali, Giovanni Pellacani, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Marco Ardigò

alopecia areata incognita reflectance confocal microscopy trichoscopy histopathology inflammatory infiltrates trichology RCM

TLDR Reflectance confocal microscopy is a promising non-invasive tool for diagnosing alopecia areata incognita.

The study highlights the potential of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for alopecia areata incognita, showing substantial agreement with histopathology in identifying key features. Although some discrepancies were noted, particularly in detecting inflammatory infiltrates, RCM's non-invasive nature could enhance patient experiences and allow for real-time disease monitoring, leading to improved treatment decisions. The technology's applicability may extend beyond alopecia areata incognita, offering more patient-friendly diagnostic options in the field of trichology.

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research Common Causes of Hair Loss: Clinical Manifestations, Trichoscopy, and Therapy

47 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The document concludes that understanding and treating hair loss requires recognizing its various types and using appropriate diagnostic tools and treatments.

Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

research Alopecia Areata Incognita and Diffuse Alopecia Areata: Clinical, Trichoscopic, Histopathological, and Therapeutic Features of a 5-Year Study

23 citations , September 2019 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

The study concluded that AAI and DAA are forms of the same disease, with different symptoms in men and women, and that corticosteroid treatment is effective.

research Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia Real-Time Assessment

17 citations , May 2016 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Reflectance confocal microscopy can help tell apart scarring from non-scarring hair loss.

research Histopathologic Features of Alopecia Areata Incognito: A Review of 46 Cases

34 citations , February 2012 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

The research found specific signs to diagnose alopecia areata incognito and noted patients generally regrow hair after steroid treatment.

research Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of the Yellow Dot Pattern in Alopecia Areata

39 citations , January 2011 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Reflectance confocal microscopy confirms that yellow dots are signs of damaged hair follicles in alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata Incognita: A Case Report

19 citations , January 2011 in “Clinics”

A young woman with a rare hair loss condition improved with steroid and biotin treatment.

research In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: Usefulness for Diagnosing Hair Diseases

25 citations , December 2008 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is useful for evaluating hair shaft diseases but needs improvement for deeper hair follicle issues.

research The Role of Scalp Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata Incognita

150 citations , April 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Scalp dermoscopy is good for diagnosing a type of hair loss and helps choose the best spots for biopsy.

research Alopecia Areata Incognita: A Hypothesis

60 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

Alopecia areata may appear differently depending on the individual's type of hair loss and scalp condition.