Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography: A New Diagnostic Method of Lichen Planopilaris

October 2023 in “ Skin research and technology ”

Marta Kurzeja, Olga Warszawik‐Hendzel, Adriana Rakowska, Alina Graczyk, Danuta Fedorczuk, Joanna Czuwara, Małgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka

lichen planopilaris LC-OCT lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia infundibular hyperkeratosis perifollicular lichenoid cell infiltrate coarse dermal fibres hair follicle Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography scarring alopecia skin biopsy

TLDR LC-OCT is an effective new method for diagnosing classic lichen planopilaris.

The study "Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography: A new diagnostic method of lichen planopilaris" investigates the use of Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) as a diagnostic tool for lichen planopilaris (LPP), a common type of lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia. The study included six patients (four females and two males; mean age 47 years) with classic LPP. LC-OCT, a new imaging technique, was used to perform in vivo biopsy of the skin and mucosa, providing vertical and horizontal images as well as three-dimensional reconstructions. The LC-OCT images revealed key diagnostic features of LPP such as infundibular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular lichenoid cell infiltrate, and coarse dermal fibres surrounding the hair follicle. These features were not observed in healthy sites. The study concludes that LC-OCT is a promising tool for real-time visualization of major diagnostic features of classic LPP, but further investigations are needed to validate these findings.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: Treatment Approaches and Classification

95 citations, November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Treatments for permanent hair loss from scarring aim to stop further loss, not regrow hair, and vary by condition, with partial success common.

research Histopathology of Alopecia: A Clinicopathological Approach to Diagnosis

170 citations, December 2009 in “Histopathology”

The conclusion is that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires good teamwork between skin doctors and lab experts.

research Lichen Planopilaris: Chronic Scarring Alopecia with Autoimmune Component

90 citations, July 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Lichen planopilaris is a chronic, scarring hair loss condition with no definitive cure, requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 37 results

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 2 months ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

in Chat 33 upvotes 2 years ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

community Making the jump to hair systems

in Hair Systems 27 upvotes 3 years ago

19-year-old with Lichen Planopilaris tried various treatments unsuccessfully. Now considering hair systems, seeking experiences and opinions.

community Anger and frustration as I finally learn my diagnosis.

in Female 6 upvotes 1 year ago

A young female diagnosed with Lichen planopilaris (LPP) experienced years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments, including a hair transplant and other procedures. She is considering litigation due to the misdiagnosis and has learned that LPP is chronic, hair loss can be stopped with ongoing medication, but lost hair cannot regrow.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Clascoterone (Winlevi) Update for Canada

in Treatment 16 upvotes 2 years ago

Clascoterone cream was submitted for review to Health Canada in August 2022, with hopes of approval within 3-6 months. It may potentially enhance finasteride's effects for hair loss treatment.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Fibrosing Alopecia in Androgenetic Distribution Pattern: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

September 2020 in “Revista da Sociedade Portuguesa de Dermatologia e Venereologia”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not accessible or not in a readable format.

research Clinical Findings, Cutaneous Pathology, and Response to Therapy in 21 Patients With Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans

78 citations, April 1994 in “Archives of dermatology”

The study found that Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans is a genetic skin condition that starts in childhood, involves inflammation and scarring, and current treatments are only somewhat effective.