Short Anagen Syndrome in an African American Woman

The document reports a rare case of short anagen syndrome in a 38-year-old African American woman, a condition characterized by an inability to grow long hair and an increased number of hairs in the telogen phase. This syndrome is poorly documented, especially in non-Caucasian individuals. The patient had experienced short hair since childhood, with hair never growing longer than 3 inches. A trichogram showed an anagen to telogen ratio of 62 to 38, which is not diagnostic for loose anagen syndrome, another condition considered in the differential diagnosis. The patient's hair shafts were normal, with no evidence of hair shaft defects or fungal organisms. The diagnosis of short anagen syndrome was made based on the clinical presentation and trichogram findings. Treatment options are limited, with the efficacy of minoxidil 5% not well established. This case is significant as it is the first reported instance of short anagen syndrome in an African American patient, highlighting the need for further research to better understand and treat this condition.