Histopathological Insights Into Hair Loss in Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: Diffuse Anagen-Telogen Conversion Precedes Clinical Hair Loss Progression

The study examined scalp biopsies from two female Japanese patients with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) and found a significant increase in telogen hair follicles, indicating that hair loss in CCS is due to an early anagen-telogen transition without follicular inflammation, miniaturization, or atrophy. Despite severe gastrointestinal inflammation, the absence of inflammatory signs in hair follicles suggested potential for hair regrowth without the need for systemic corticosteroids, unless required for gastrointestinal symptoms. Both patients achieved hair regrowth after their gastrointestinal conditions were treated, leading to the conclusion that although severe alopecia is common in CCS, it is reversible with appropriate treatment of the underlying gastrointestinal issues.