[Trichorrhexis nodosa in electron microscopy]

Trichorrhexis nodosa, i. e. a hair fracturing into brush-like widened stumps, was analyzed in an imbecile 4 year-old boy without any sign of aminoaciduria or disturbance of copper metabolism. Scanning electron microscopy showed smoothed hair cuticula with irregular ridges and surface splitting. According to the transmission electron microscopy disintegration of superficial and profound cuticular elements as well was due to progressive development of vacuoles and clefts in amorphous keratin.