Publication:

Correlation between clinical, histopathological and direct immunoflourescence findings in cases of cicatricial alopecias

Background Cicatricial (scarring) alopecias form a group of disorders in which permanent hair loss results from replacement of follicles by fibrosis or hyalinized collagen. The aim was to find the correlation between clinical, histopathological and direct immunofluorescence findings in cicatricial alopecias.

Methods A total of 20 cases were included in our study. Two 4mm punch biopsies were taken for haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and DIF respectively. Vertical and horizontal section were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

Results After histopathological examination 8 (40%) were confirmed as LPP, 6 (30%) as DLE, 2 (10%) as folliculitis decalvans and 1 (5%) each of acne keloidalis, trichotillomania, CTCL and morphea. Out of 8 confirmed cases of LPP 4 (50%) were positive for direct immunofluorescence and in 6 confirmed cases of DLE 4 (67%) were positive for immunofluorescence.

Conclusions There was no statistical significance regarding the correlation between clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescence findings.