Secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata Induced by Long-Term Use of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil

August 2024 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Juste Baksanskaite, Natalia Caballero Uribe, Ralph M. Trüeb

Cutis Verticis Gyrata topical minoxidil male androgenetic alopecia insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 soft tissue hypertrophy hypertrichosis CVG Rogaine male pattern baldness soft tissue growth excessive hair growth

TLDR Long-term use of high-dose topical minoxidil can cause thickened, ridged scalp.

This case report describes a patient who developed secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG) after long-term use of high-dose topical minoxidil for male androgenetic alopecia. CVG is characterized by a thickened, cerebriform scalp and is often associated with conditions like acromegaly, which involves excessive production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Minoxidil can enhance IGF-1's mitogenic effects, leading to soft tissue hypertrophy and hypertrichosis. This is the first documented instance of CVG resulting from topical minoxidil use, highlighting a potential side effect of this common hair loss treatment.

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Secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata Induced by Long-Term Use of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil

Research cited in this study

research Serious Complication of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

research Pericardial, Pleural Effusion and Anasarca: A Rare Complication of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

research Does Topical Minoxidil at Concentrations Higher Than 5% Provide Additional Clinical Benefit?

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in a Breastfed Infant

research Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss: A Multicenter Study of 1404 Patients

research Efficacy and Safety of a New 10% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

research Further Clinical Evidence for the Effect of IGF-1 on Hair Growth and Alopecia

research Cantú Syndrome Is Caused by Mutations in ABCC9

research Sulfation of Minoxidil in Keratinocytes and Hair Follicles and the Stimulatory Effect of Minoxidil on the Biosynthesis of Glycosaminoglycans

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

research Pseudoacromegaly Induced by the Long-Term Use of Minoxidil

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research Stimulation of Elastin Expression by Minoxidil in Chick Skin Fibroblasts

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