Invention of automated numerical algorithm adopting binarization for the evaluation of scalp hair coverage: An image analysis providing a substitute for phototrichogram and global photography assessment for hair diseases.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of therapeutic modalities for hair disease can be evaluated globally by photo assessment and more precisely by phototrichogram (PTG). However, the latter procedure is laborious, time consuming, subject to inter-observer variation, and requires hair clipping. OBJECTIVE: To establish an automated and patient/investigator friendly methodology enabling quantitative hair amount evaluation for daily clinical practice. METHODS: A novel automated numerical algorithm (aNA) adopting digital image binarization (i.e., black and white color conversion) was invented to evaluate hair coverage and measure PTG parameters in scalp images. Step-by-step improvement of aNA was attempted through comparative analyses of the data obtained respectively by the novel approach and conventional PTG/global photography assessment (GPA). RESULTS: For measuring scalp hair coverage, the initial version of aNA generally agreed with the cumulative hair diameter as assessed using PTG, showing a coefficient of 0.60. However, these outcomes were influenced by the angle of hair near the parting line. By integrating an angle compensation formula, the standard deviation of aNA data decreased from 5.7% to 1.2%. Consequently, the coefficient of determination for hair coverage calculated using the modified aNA and cumulative hair diameter assessed by PTG increased to 0.90. Furthermore, the change in hair coverage as determined by the modified aNA protocol correlated well with changes in the GPA score of images obtained using clinical trials. CONCLUSION: The novel aNA method provides a valuable tool for enabling simple and accurate evaluation of hair growth and volume for clinical trials and for treatment of hair disease.

A comparative study of pilomatricoma and epidermoid cyst with ultrasound.

AIM: To explore and compare the ultrasonic (US) features of pilomatricoma (PM) and epidermoid cyst (EC) in the differential diagnosis and improve the accuracy of US diagnosis of PM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and nine patients who underwent US examination before surgery with a histopathological diagnosis of PM or EC after surgery were analysed retrospectively. The patients were categorised into the training and validation sets according to the inspection times. Univariate analysis was undertaken on the US and clinical features of PM and statistically significant variables (p<0.05) were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to establish a diagnostic model. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the multivariate logistic regression model for PM was statistically significant (p<0.001). The risk factors included posterior echo attenuation and hypoechoic halos (odds ratio [OR] = 9.277, 10.254) and the protective factors included age, diameter thickness, and posterior echo enhancement (OR=0.936, 0.302, 0.156). The performance of the diagnostic model was tested using the training set (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.955-0.994) and the validation set (AUC = 0.967, 95% CI = 0.926-1.000), which demonstrated good discriminant ability. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy for PM was higher than that for EC when the nodule is characterised by posterior echo attenuation, hypoechoic halos, smaller thickness, and younger age. The US diagnostic model developed may be used to guide the diagnosis of PM.

Confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography of inflammatory skin diseases in hairs and pilosebaceous units: A systematic review.

Common skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, rosacea and folliculitis are bothersome prevalent inflammatory diseases of hair follicles that can easily be investigated bedside using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) with micrometre resolution, opening a novel era for high-resolution hair follicle diagnostics and quantitative treatment evaluation. EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science were searched until 5 January 2023 to identify all studies imaging hair follicle characteristics by RCM and OCT for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in hair follicle-based skin disorders. This study followed PRISMA guidelines. After inclusion of articles, methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 critical appraisal checklist. Thirty-nine in vivo studies (33 RCM and 12 OCT studies) were included. The studies focused on acne vulgaris, rosacea, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis, folliculitis decalvans, lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythemasus, frontal fibrosing alopecia and keratosis pilaris. Inter- and perifollicular morphology including number of demodex mites, hyperkeratinization, inflammation and vascular morphology could be assessed by RCM and OCT in all included skin disorders. Methodological study quality was low, and interstudy outcome variability was high. Quality assessment showed high or unclear risk of bias in 36 studies. Both RCM and OCT visualize quantitative features as size, shape, content and abnormalities of hair follicles, and have potential to support clinical diagnosis and evaluate treatment effects. However, larger studies with better methodological quality are needed to implement RCM and OCT directly into clinical practice.

Cabello impeinable, un diagnóstico clínico fácil / Uncombable hair, an easy diagnosis

El cabello impeinable o indomable es una entidad benigna con unas características clínicas muy peculiares y fácilmente reconocibles. La sospecha diagnóstica es clínica y la confirmación se realiza mediante estudio por microscopía óptica de una muestra de cabello del paciente. Requiere evaluación dermatológica y oftalmológica. Su pronóstico es favorable y en ocasiones se consiguen buenos resultados con champú de piritiona de zinc (AU)

Uncombable hair is a benign entity with very peculiar and easily recognizable characteristics. The diagnostic suspicion is clinical and confirmation is made by an optical microscopy study of a sample of the patient's hair. A dermatological and ophthalmological evaluation are required. Its prognosis is favorable and good results are sometimes achieved with pyrithione zinc shampoo. (AU)

Giant Pilomatricoma Mistaken for a Malignant Tumor.

Pilomatricomas are tumors originating from the matrices of hair follicles. Giant pilomatricomas, defined as pilomatricomas that are 5 cm or larger, are benign but may appear malignant clinically. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with a rapidly growing mass on his scalp. When he visited our department, the tumor measured 10.0×6.0×4.0 cm and showed inflammation and ulceration. Magnetic resonance imaging and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed findings resembling lymph node metastasis from a malignant tumor. However, upon an incisional biopsy, the tumor was diagnosed as a pilomatricoma. Therefore, we performed an excisional biopsy instead of radical surgery and lymph node dissection. The tumor was ultimately diagnosed as a giant pilomatricoma based on the excisional biopsy, and the patient received reconstruction only at the site of the defect. A giant pilomatricoma can be mistaken for a malignant tumor due to its characteristics. In such uncertain cases, it can be helpful to first perform an excisional biopsy.

Cranial pilomatricoma: a diagnosis to consider.

Pilomatricomas are benign tumors of the hair follicle that occur frequently in the scalp region. They occur most often in children. We describe a case of pilomatricoma in a teenager, referred to neurosurgery for excision. This diagnosis should be considered in the workup of scalp lesions, and this case report should serve to draw attention to this entity.

Giant pilomatrixoma with bullous appearance on the back: A case report and discussion of misdiagnosis.

Pilomatrixoma is a benign, asymptomatic skin tumor that forms from hair follicle matrix cells. Most are under 3 cm in diameter and occur on the head, face, or neck. Bullous appearance is very rare in pilomatrixoma. In this case report, we present a case of bullous pilomatrixoma of unusual size, region, symptoms, and patient age. It had been misdiagnosed as a keloid and as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Early treatments were ineffective. The patient approached our outpatient facility and underwent excision. He was then diagnosed with pilomatrixoma by pathological examination. The clinical appearance of this case was quite difficult to diagnose, even MRI and B-ultrasonic examinations provided limited diagnostic evidence. Given the revelations from this case, we reemphasize the importance of performing a biopsy (if patients refused operation or preferred conservative treatment) before any invasive treatment to minimize economic or time loss of patients who have difficulties in diagnosis.

Two Cases of Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor (MPTT) and Review of Literature.

Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumors (MPTTs, malignant proliferating pilar tumors) are theorized to originate from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle which resembles the isthmic portion of the hair follicle and epithelium of the lower hair follicle in catagen phase.1 They may develop de novo or arise from a pre- existing trichilemmal cyst or proliferating trichilemmal tumor. The tumors typically present with rapid growth on the scalps of women over the age of 50. In this review, we present two cases of MPTT, presenting on the scalp of a 69-year-old woman and the scalp of a 53-year-old woman. Both tumors were successfully treated with surgery and radiation. In addition to the classic histologic features, pilomatrical differentiation was also seen in case 1, a histologic feature that has rarely been described. In this paper, we review previously reported cases and summarize basic demographics, lesion size, location, treatment method, and patient outcome.

Update on trichoscopy: Integration of the terminology by systematic approach and a proposal of a diagnostic flowchart.

Trichoscopy represents a non-invasive diagnostic modality widely used in daily practice. Despite the common perception that this technique has been fairly established, some key issues remain to be addressed. Complexity and inconsistency in terminology in past literature are likely to confuse investigators when they are recording, reporting, and retrieving the findings. In addition, a diagnostic algorithm adopting sufficiently integrated and updated findings is not readily available. By adopting a systematic review approach, this review attempted to redefine major trichoscopic findings and integrate their synonyms individually into the most frequently used terms besides identifying and discussing terms which potentially cause confusion. The findings are categorized into five subgroups: hair shaft, follicular, perifollicular, scalp findings, and hair distribution pattern abnormalities. The calculation of sensitivities and positive predictive values of such redefined findings was conducted by reviewing the descriptions in the past literature on major hair diseases, including alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia/female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans, tinea capitis, and dissecting cellulitis, to confirm the diagnostically meaningful findings for representative diseases. This attempt redefined, for instance, yellow dots, short vellus hairs, exclamation mark hairs, black dots, and broken hairs as the findings of diagnostic significance for alopecia areata and hair diameter diversity, peripilar sign, and focal atrichia for androgenetic alopecia/female pattern hair loss. An updated diagnostic flowchart is proposed with the instructions to maximize its usefulness. Current limitations and future perspectives of trichoscopy as well as other emerging non-invasive diagnostic modalities for hair diseases are also discussed.

Trichoscopic features of hair and scalp in noncomplaining individuals: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Trichoscopy is a simple noninvasive tool that is used in calculating different hair parameters and the diagnosis of different hair/scalp diseases at variable magnifications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to describe the features and parameters of hair and scalp in a healthy sample of Egyptian population using videodermoscopy. This may help to provide standard range of measurements of normal hair in both males and females. METHODS: A nonrandomized, observational study for features and parameters of hair structure, performed on 368 healthy Egyptian subjects with no hair/scalp complaint. RESULTS: Each scalp area has its own vascular pattern. Male subjects showed different values regarding their hair parameters from the female subjects. No significant difference was seen after application of hair dye, except for few values. In both genders, there was a change in hair parameters with age. Smoking had a negative influence on hair parameters. CONCLUSION: Hair features and parameters observed in our population are different from those reported by other populations. Smoking affects hair thickness and density. Dyed hair has greater thickness mostly due to the protective effect of hair conditioners.

Ultrasound findings in 156 children with 169 pilomatricomas.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous lesions present a diagnostic challenge to radiologists and clinicians alike. Pilomatricoma is the second most common skin neoplasm in childhood, yet there are limited reports in the literature focusing on imaging in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the typical and atypical US features of pilomatricoma in pediatric patients and to determine the performance of the adult-based Solivetti classification for assessing pilomatricomas in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 169 US scans of pathologically proven pilomatricomas in 156 children performed over a period of 66 months. We evaluated images for the size of the lesion, borders, morphology, content, calcification, location on the skin and Doppler characteristics. RESULTS: Most of the pilomatricomas presented as single dermohypodermic lesions with peripheral vascularity on color Doppler interrogation. The cheek was the most common location, followed by the arm. Solivetti type 2 US pattern was the most frequent, and peripheral hypoechoic halo was only observed in this type. One child had an anetodermic pilomatricoma, and 11 children had multiple lesions. CONCLUSION: We showed that pilomatricomas exhibit variable sonographic patterns. In our cohort, less than 50% of the lesions showed the characteristic hypoechoic rim and less than 30% of the cases presented as diffusely hyperechoic masses with posterior acoustic shadowing. Our results show that the Solvetti classification for the US assessment of pilomatricomas can be of value in children.

Scalp malignant trichilemmal tumour with bony erosion: a new clinical entity.

Trichilemmoma is a benign tumour which arises from the hair follicle root sheath, and commonly occurs in the head and neck area. Malignant transformation and locally aggressive growth of these tumours are very rare. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of management, with scarce evidence for other treatment modalities. We describe our experience of a malignant trichilemmal tumour which demonstrated bony erosion with intracranial extension. Our patient was treated with radical radiotherapy, with a good response at 6 months of follow-up. This case highlights the need to consider malignant potential in recurrent skin lesions, along with the potential for trichilemmoma to erode bone, necessitating the consideration of different treatment modalities.

Pilomatrixoma: a common tumour of head and neck, but rarely reported.

Pilomatrixoma is a benign subcutaneous tumour arising from the sebaceous glands. Mutation in the CTNNB1 gene is seen, suggesting beta-catenin misregulation may be the cause of pilomatrixoma. The preoperative diagnosis may be improved by the awareness of the fact that pilomatrixoma is a common and benign skin tumour of the head and neck region. It presents as a well-defined mass, which may be firm to hard in consistency, usually attached to the skin, but not to the underlying tissue. The colour of overlying skin appears a reddish-brown tinge, indicating that it could be a case of pilomatrixoma. Here, we report a case of pilomatrixoma of the cheek in a woman along with the CT findings and histopathological appearances. Dental surgeons should consider it as one of the differential diagnosis in superficial head and neck swelling with calcification.

The trichoscopic features of hair shaft anomalies induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Although the clinical hair changes that occur under treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are documented, their trichoscopic features have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the trichoscopic findings in scalp and facial hair, induced by EGFRI treatment. METHODS: Patients treated with EGFRIs at a tertiary oncodermatology clinic in 2015 through 2017 were evaluated for macroscopic and trichoscopic changes. RESULTS: The cohort included 23 patients (13 women; median age, 68 years) treated with EGFRIs for an average of 13 months (range, 2-40 months). Macroscopically, 18 patients (78%) had dry, lusterless, coarse, kinky, brittle scalp hair, and 17 (74%) had trichomegaly of the eyebrows/eyelashes. Trichoscopic findings were of hair shaft anomalies including pili torti, affecting scalp hair in 20 patients (87%), eyebrows in 6 (26%), and eyelashes in 8 (50%), and asymmetric hyperpigmented fusiform widening of hair scalp in 3 (13%), eyebrows in 10 (43%), and eyelashes in 4 (25%). Dermoscopic findings of the peri- and interfollicular skin were scale, whitish erythematous structureless areas, and branching vessels. LIMITATIONS: Lack of trichoscopic-histologic correlation, lack of baseline examination. CONCLUSION: The trichoscopic correlates of the macroscopic hair changes under EFGRI treatment include pili torti, and asymmetric hyperpigmented fusiform widening, with dermoscopic cutaneous manifestations of scale, whitish erythematous structureless areas, and branching vessels.

Pseudocystic pilomatricoma: A new variant and review of the literature.

A classic pilomatricoma, which usually presents with an asymptomatic, solitary, firm, subcutaneous nodule in the head, neck, or extremities of the paediatric population, is easily diagnosed based on its characteristic clinical and histopathological features. However, its variants often pose particular diagnostic challenges to clinicians due to their rarity and diverse clinicopathological features. We present a new pseudocystic variant, manifesting as solid lesions floating in a fluid-filled sac.