Distinctive Histopathologic Findings in Linear Morphea (En Coup De Sabre) Alopecia
March 2013
in “
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
”
linear morphea en coup de sabre alopecia scalp depression dermal sclerosis eccrine gland atrophy sebaceous glands atrophic follicular remnants telogen follicles cicatricial alopecias chemotherapy-induced alopecia histopathology skin hardening sweat gland atrophy oil glands hair follicle remnants scarring alopecia chemo hair loss skin biopsy
Studysummary This case report describes a 26-year-old female with linear morphea and unique alopecia characterized by atrophic follicular remnants, resembling telogen follicles but indicating permanent alopecia, unlike typical findings in morphea-related alopecia. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
In 2013, researchers studied a 26-year-old Caucasian female with linear morphea en coup de sabre, which is associated with alopecia and facial/scalp depression. A scalp biopsy showed unique histopathologic features: dense dermal sclerosis, significant eccrine gland atrophy, absence of sebaceous glands, and atrophic follicular remnants different from typical telogen follicles, suggesting permanent alopecia. This type of alopecia had not been previously reported in morphea or other cicatricial alopecias. The study compared these findings to permanent alopecia caused by chemotherapy, noting histopathologic similarities. The case emphasized the role of histopathology in diagnosing alopecia and implied that early aggressive treatment might prevent the permanent changes seen in the follicular remnants.
