BACKGROUND:
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a potential trichologic emergency that can result in permanent scarring alopecia.
Histopathology is a key component of the diagnostic work-up.
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the key histologic features that characterize LPP in order to facilitate diagnosis, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
METHODS:
Scalp biopsy specimens from 27 confirmed cases of LPP were reviewed in a blinded fashion to determine diagnostically helpful histologic features.
RESULTS:
Absence of arrector pili muscles and sebaceous glands, a perivascular and perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate in the reticular dermis and mucinous perifollicular fibroplasia within the upper dermis with absence of interfollicular mucin, and superficial perifollicular wedge-shaped scarring were characterizing features.
LIMITATIONS:
Sample size was limited, given that biopsy specimens were taken from lesions at varying stages of evolution and findings vary with disease stage.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study confirms many previously reported histologic features and highlights new characterizing features of mucinous perifollicular fibroplasia.
2008-06-23
Eng.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Faculty of Medicine, North Eastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, USA.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Jul;59(1):91-8
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