Difficulties in differential diagnosis of alopecia in the practice of dermatologists: Clinical cases
https://doi.org/10.25207/1608-6228-2024-31-5-88-99
Abstract
Background. All types of alopecia fall into two main categories: scarring and non-scarring alopecias. Among these, certain types frequently pose challenges in differential diagnosis due to their similar clinical manifestations, thus necessitating specific examinations to be made for confirmation of the diagnosis. For instance, trichotillomania may be easily confused with alopecia areata. Description of clinical cases. The paper presents three clinical observations of patients with both scarring and non-scarring alopecia and highlights the challenges in establishing a definitive diagnosis due to the similarities in clinical presentations. The study emphasized the importance of thorough examination and close attention to patients with long-standing areas of hair thinning, along with the necessity for meticulous differential diagnostic efforts. In addition, the significance of pathological examination is considered as an indispensable tool for the evaluation of most similar cases of scarring and non-scarring alopecias. Conclusion. Early verification of the diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy for hair disorders appear crucial, both for the potential restoration of hair growth and for the prevention of further hair loss.
About the Authors
P. S. Osmolovskaya
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Polina S. Osmolovskaya — Cand. Sci. (Med.), Assistant, Department of Dermatovenerology, Kuban State Medical University.
Mitrofana Sedina str., 4, Krasnodar, 350063
N. L. Sycheva
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nataliya L. Sycheva — Cand. Sci. (Med.), Assoc. Prof., Department of Dermatovenerology, Kuban State Medical University.
Mitrofana Sedina str., 4, Krasnodar, 350063
F. A. Psavok
Kuban State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Fatima A. Psavok — Cand. Sci. (Med.), Assistant, Department of Dermatovenerology, Kuban State Medical University.
Mitrofana Sedina str., 4, Krasnodar, 350063
References
1. Singh R, Kumar P, Kumar D, Aggarwal N, Chopra H, Kumar V. Alopecia areata: review of epidemiology, pathophysiology, current treatments and nanoparticulate delivery system. Ther Deliv. 2024;15(3):193–210. https://doi.org/10.4155/tde-2023-0071
2. De Souza B, Tovar-Garza A, Uwakwe LN, McMichael A. Bitemporal Scalp Hair Loss: Differential Diagnosis of Nonscarring and Scarring Conditions. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(2):26–33.
3. Thadanipon K, Suchonwanit P. Measuring Patient Quality of Life Following Treatment for Alopecia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2021;15:1601–1610. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S282399
4. Ravodin RA, Kruglova LS, Denisova EA. Cicatricial alopecia: classification, clinical and morphological features, diagnosis and treatment (literature review). Pharmateca. 2023;13:19–29 (In Russ.). http://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2023.13.19-29
5. Bolduc C, Sperling LC, Shapiro J. Primary cicatricial alopecia: Other lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecias and neutrophilic and mixed primary cicatricial alopecias. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(6):1101–1117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.01.056
6. Tlish MM, Sycheva AV, Sycheva NL, Osmolovskaya PS. Skin biopsy during clinical and morphological verification of inflammatory dermatosis. RMJ. 2023;2:58–61 (In Russ.).
7. Rambwawasvika H, Dzomba P, Gwatidzo L. Alopecia types, current and future treatment. J Dermat Cosmetol. 2021;5(4):93‒99. https://doi.org/10.15406/jdc.2021.05.00190
8. Praskurnichiy EA, Gracheva SA, Kugan NV, Maslennikova OM. Alopecia and Clinical Presentation of Endocrinopathies: Pathogenetic and Diagnostic Aspects. The Russian Archives of Internal Medicine. 2021;11(4):245–254. https://doi.org/10.20514/2226-6704-2021-11-4-245-254
9. Gordon KA, Tosti A. Alopecia: evaluation and treatment. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011;4:101–106. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S10182
10. Romanova YuYu, Gadzhigoroeva AG, L’vov AN. On the issue of systematics and differential diagnosis of frontal fibrous alopecia. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2015;14(5):130–134 (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17116/klinderma2015145130-134
11. Kerkemeyer KLS, Eisman S, Bhoyrul B, Pinczewski J, Sinclair RD. Frontal fibrosing alopecia. Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(2):183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.10.007
12. Baltabaev AM, Tkachev VP, Baltabaev MK. Differential diagnostic criteria for alopecia areata. Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases. 2016;19(6):359–364 (In Russ.). http://dx.doi.org/10.18821/1560-9588-2016-19-6-359-364
13. Zhou C, Li X, Wang C, Zhang J. Alopecia Areata: an Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2021;61(3):403–423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-021-08883-0
14. Korsunskaya IM, Guseva SD, Nevozinskaya ZA. On the issue of Broca’s pseudopelade. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2015;14(3):17–21. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17116/klinderma201514317-21
15. Porriño-Bustamante ML, Fernández-Pugnaire MA, Arias-Santiago S. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review. J Clin Med. 2021;10(9):1805. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10091805
16. Popa A, Carsote M, Cretoiu D, Dumitrascu MC, Nistor CE, Sandru F. Study of the Thyroid Profile of Patients with Alopecia. J Clin Med. 2023;12(3):1115. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12031115
Supplementary files
Review
For citations:
Osmolovskaya P.S., Sycheva N.L., Psavok F.A. Difficulties in differential diagnosis of alopecia in the practice of dermatologists: Clinical cases. Kuban Scientific Medical Bulletin. 2024;31(5):88-99. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25207/1608-6228-2024-31-5-88-99
Views:
1084
Email this article 