Document Detail


Polarized microscopy as a helpful tool to distinguish chronic nonscarring alopecia from scarring alopecia.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22250238     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Nonscarring alopecia differs from scarring alopecia on pathologic examination by the preservation of follicular units and lack of follicular dropout. However, long-standing cases of active nonscarring hair loss can show follicular dropout on pathologic examination and can be difficult to interpret. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a patient with nonscarring alopecia that was misdiagnosed as scarring alopecia due to difficulty in distinguishing between scarred tracts (follicular dropout) and long-persisting fibrovascular streamers. Polarized light microscopy permits us to distinguish follicular scars from fibrous streamers because the fibrous streamers are birefringent negative for collagen. The main advantages of polarized microscopy are that it is fast and cost free and can screen all sections within minutes; it is also easy to interpret for beginners because there is a built-in control of birefringent-positive dermal collagen. Conclusion  Polarized light can be used in the pathological evaluation of hair loss to distinguish between the follicular scars in scarring alopecia and the fibrovascular streamers in long-standing nonscarring alopecia.
Authors:
Mariya Miteva; Antonella Tosti
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Archives of dermatology     Volume:  148     ISSN:  1538-3652     ISO Abbreviation:  Arch Dermatol     Publication Date:  2012 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-01-17     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0372433     Medline TA:  Arch Dermatol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  91-4     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave, Rosenstiel Medical Bldg, Room 2023A, Miami, FL 33136. mmiteva@med.miami.edu.
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