Primary Cicatricial Alopecia Associated With Systemic Indolent Mastocytosis

January 2020 in “ JAAD case reports ”

Sonya Prasad, Brianna De Souza, Lindsay H. Burns, Maryanne M. Senna

primary cicatricial alopecia systemic indolent mastocytosis telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans mast cell infiltration topical tacrolimus scarring alopecia PCA SM TMEP tacrolimus

TLDR Systemic mastocytosis may cause a type of hair loss called cicatricial alopecia.

A 63-year-old woman with systemic indolent mastocytosis (SM) and telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) presented with primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) affecting her eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp. Histological analysis of her scalp biopsy revealed significant mast cell infiltration, suggesting a link between mastocytosis and PCA. Treatment with topical tacrolimus led to complete resolution of her scalp symptoms. This case supports the emerging evidence that mast cells may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCA, highlighting the need for further research and consideration of mastocytosis in patients with scarring alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Pathomechanisms of Immune-Mediated Alopecia

45 citations , April 2019 in “International Immunology”

The study concluded that immune cells attacking hair follicles cause hair loss in alopecia, with genetics and environment also playing a role, and highlighted the potential of certain treatments.

research Mast Cells and Scarring Alopecia: Is There a Clear Pathophysiological Relationship?

2 citations , November 2015 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

The document suggests a possible link between mast cells and scarring alopecia, recommending more research for potential treatments.

research The Pathogenesis of Primary Cicatricial Alopecias

150 citations , October 2010 in “The American Journal of Pathology”

The document concludes that more research is needed to better understand and treat primary cicatricial alopecias, and suggests a possible reclassification based on molecular pathways.

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