A Study of Serial Vertical Sectioning of Scalp Biopsies to Increase the Histological Diagnostic Yield in Alopecias

    N Bathish, Ofer Ben Izhak, Avner Shemer, Reuven Bergman
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    TLDR Cutting scalp biopsies in consecutive slices improves diagnosis of hair loss conditions.
    The study, which included 100 patients with scalp alopecias, found that serial vertical sectioning of scalp biopsies significantly improved the histological diagnostic yield. Out of 98 alopecia cases, 48% required serial sections for diagnosis. The yield was higher for non-cicatricial alopecias (52.7%) than for cicatricial alopecias (48.5%) and other types (10%). Serial vertical sectioning was particularly effective in providing a more detailed examination of hair follicles, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and was also useful in identifying fungal infections and differentiating between types of folliculitis. The study supports the use of this method to enhance diagnostic accuracy in alopecia cases.
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      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  830 upvotes 7 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 I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

      in Will treatment work for me? 2 years ago
      In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

      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 Oral minoxidil gives hair everywhere except scalp,plss help

      in Minoxidil  42 upvotes 1 week ago
      Oral minoxidil is causing body hair growth but not improving scalp hair, despite using dutasteride and finasteride. Users suggest waiting longer for results, checking vitamin levels, and considering additional treatments like topical minoxidil, dermarolling, and supplements.

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