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[Alopecia in meralgia paraesthetica].
K H Krause1, M Flemming, K Scheglmann
1Neurologische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg.
Summary
Meralgia paresthetica, a nerve condition, can cause hair loss due to trophic disturbances. This rare symptom may be more common in long-standing cases of the condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Meralgia paresthetica involves the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Trophic disturbances are rarely documented in meralgia paresthetica literature.
Observation:
- Two patients with verified meralgia paresthetica presented with alopecia.
- Alopecia occurred in the sensory distribution of the affected nerve.
- One patient's biopsy revealed epidermal and hair follicle atrophy.
Findings:
- Lesions in the lateral cutaneous nerves of the thigh were confirmed.
- Alopecia and atrophy represent a form of trophic disturbance.
- This trophic disturbance may be an underreported finding in meralgia paresthetica.
Implications:
- Alopecia should be considered in the clinical presentation of meralgia paresthetica.
- Long-standing cases may exhibit a higher prevalence of these trophic changes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the link between nerve lesions and hair follicle health.