Lichen Planopilaris in the Androgenetic Alopecia Area: A Pitfall for Hair Transplantation

January 2015 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Katherine L. Baquerizo Nole, Bernard P. Nusbaum, Giselle Martins Pinto, Mariya Miteva

lichen planopilaris androgenetic alopecia hair transplantation scalp biopsy scalp disorders hair thinning red scaly scalp LPP AGA

Studysummary This study reports that subtle presentations of lichen planopilaris may be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis in patients with androgenetic alopecia, highlighting the importance of dermatoscopy-guided biopsy for accurate diagnosis.

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This article discusses the potential for misdiagnosis of lichen planopilaris (LPP) in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) who are seeking hair transplantation. The authors note that subtle LPP can be difficult to distinguish from AGA, and that scalp biopsies are crucial for accurate diagnosis. They also provide a table summarizing the differential diagnosis of scalp disorders characterized by hair thinning and a red, scaly scalp. The authors emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis in patients who do not respond to standard treatment and in those seeking hair transplantation.

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Research cited in this study

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research Follicular Density and Ratios in Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia

19 citations , February 2013 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

This study found that follicular density and various hair growth ratios differ statistically between nonscarring and scarring alopecia, though significant overlap exists due to factors like sample size and scalp variation.

research The Annual Changes of Clinical Manifestation of Androgenetic Alopecia Clinic in Korean Males and Females: An Outpatient-Based Study

18 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study suggests the average age of onset for androgenic alopecia may be decreasing, but a longer-term study is needed to confirm this observation.

research Dermoscopy-Guided Scalp Biopsy in Cicatricial Alopecia

62 citations , March 2012 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that dermoscopy-guided scalp biopsies provided a definitive pathological diagnosis in 95% of patients with cicatricial alopecia.

research Hair Loss Due to Lichen Planopilaris After Hair Transplant: Case Reports and Literature Review

22 citations , April 2011 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This report describes two cases where lichen planopilaris may have compromised the hair follicles in both donor and recipient areas following follicular unit transplantation.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

16 citations , February 2010 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This article is a letter to the editor about fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution and reports no new research findings.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that trichoscopy criteria can distinguish female androgenic alopecia from chronic telogen effluvium, with specific features achieving 98% diagnostic specificity.

The Ludwig Pattern of Androgenetic Alopecia Is Due to a Hierarchy of Androgen Sensitivity Within Follicular Units That Leads to Selective Miniaturization and a Reduction in the Number of Terminal Hairs Per Follicular Unit

research The Ludwig Pattern of Androgenetic Alopecia Is Due to a Hierarchy of Androgen Sensitivity Within Follicular Units That Leads to Selective Miniaturization and a Reduction in the Number of Terminal Hairs Per Follicular Unit

47 citations , September 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia experience diffuse hair loss due to a decrease in terminal hairs and an increase in vellus hairs per follicular unit.

research A Case-Series of 29 Patients with Lichen Planopilaris: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Experience on Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

113 citations , May 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that tetracycline may be more effective for treating lichen planopilaris than previously thought, alongside topical high-potency and intralesional corticosteroids.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

158 citations , February 2000 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study reports that some patients with androgenetic alopecia may also exhibit clinical and histological features of inflammation and fibrosis, similar to those found in lichen planopilaris.