Validity of Trichoscopy in the Diagnosis of Primary Cicatricial Alopecias Publisher Pubmed



Abedini R¹ ; Kamyab Hesari K² ; Daneshpazhooh M¹ ; Ansari MS³ ; Tohidinik HR^{4, 5} ; Ansari M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: International Journal of Dermatology Published:2016

Abstract

Background: There are limited data on the validity of dermatoscopy in primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) and its subtypes, including lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus. Trichoscopic features of PCAs, their prevalence, and validity were evaluated in this study. Methods: One hundred patients with PCA underwent dermatoscopy. Biopsy specimens were obtained after the site was marked with a dermatoscope. The control group comprised 100 patients with non-cicatricial alopecia and 100 normal individuals. Finally, the prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity of trichoscopic features were evaluated using SPSS and Stata software. Results: The absence of follicular opening, perifollicular scale, and presence of one scarring pattern or white patch were sensitive and specific patterns in the trichoscopy of PCAs. The presence of tortuous branching vessels and follicular keratotic plugging was 100% specific for a diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus. Conclusions: Some trichoscopic features can help a dermatologist to differentiate between non-cicatricial alopecia and PCA. Moreover, a group of dermatoscopic features can be helpful in the diagnosis of PCA subtypes. © 2016 The International Society of Dermatology