[Translated article] Imaging Modalities in Trichology: Ultrasound, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy, and Optical...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Scalp biopsies and trichoscopy are standard for alopecia diagnosis but may lack detail.
• Advanced non-invasive imaging is needed to complement existing diagnostic methods for hair loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging non-invasive diagnostic techniques for alopecia.
• To evaluate the utility of high-frequency ultrasound (HFU), ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFU), reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosing and monitoring hair loss.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing HFU, UHFU, RCM, and OCT for alopecia diagnosis.
• Analysis of reported features and findings for scarring and non-scarring alopecia types.

Main Results:

• HFU, UHFU, RCM, and OCT can visualize sub-surface scalp structures and monitor hair shafts.
• These techniques provide complementary information to trichoscopy, aiding in detailed disease assessment.

Conclusions:

• Advanced non-invasive imaging techniques enhance the diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for various alopecia types.
• These methods offer potential for new pathophysiological insights and improved patient management in hair loss disorders.