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Elastic tissue in scars and alopecia.
D M Elston1, M L McCollough, K E Warschaw
1Department of Dermatology, Wilford Hall Air Force and Brooke Army Medical Centers, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6200, USA.
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|March 23, 2000
Summary
The Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) elastic stain reliably differentiates scarred from non-scarred dermis. This elastic tissue stain is helpful in evaluating scarring patterns in permanent alopecia cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Histology
Background:
- Elastic fibers appear in scars over time.
- Elastic tissue stains have shown utility in assessing scarring patterns in permanent alopecia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) elastic stain can reliably differentiate scarred from non-scarred dermis.
- To test the hypothesis that VVG-stained sections aid in distinguishing various forms of permanent alopecia, including lichen planopilaris (LPP), lupus erythematosus (LE), and central progressive alopecia.
Main Methods:
- Histological sections from surgical scars of known duration were stained with VVG.
- VVG-stained scalp biopsy sections from patients with established permanent alopecia lesions were analyzed.
- Both vertical and transverse sections were examined.
Main Results:
- The VVG stain clearly differentiated scar tissue from normal surrounding dermis in all cases.
- Distinct elastic tissue patterns facilitated correct classification in most studied cases of permanent alopecia.
- The stain proved effective in evaluating scarring patterns.
Conclusions:
- The Verhoeff-Van Gieson stain is an excellent tool for evaluating scarring patterns in permanent alopecia.
- Elastic tissue stains may be beneficial in the histological assessment of alopecia.