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Clinical and histologic findings in temporal triangular alopecia
C Trakimas1, L C Sperling, H G Skelton
1Dermatology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Temporal triangular alopecia (TTA) is often mislabeled as congenital. Most cases appear in early childhood, characterized by miniaturized hair follicles producing vellus hair, not true baldness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histopathology
- Pediatric Dermatology
Background:
- Temporal triangular alopecia (TTA), often termed congenital triangular alopecia, is a common condition with poorly understood histologic features.
- The assumption of a congenital origin for TTA is widespread but lacks definitive evidence.
Observation:
- This study details four new cases of TTA, reviewing existing literature and examining histologic features.
- Histologic analysis utilized both vertical and transverse sectioning techniques to thoroughly evaluate affected scalp tissue.
Findings:
- TTA lesions are rarely congenital, typically presenting as lancet-shaped patches.
- Affected areas exhibit a normal density of hair follicles, but these are predominantly vellus or indeterminate types, not absent.
Implications:
- The term "congenital" is a misnomer for TTA, as most cases manifest in the first few years of life.
- TTA is best understood as a localized phenomenon of hair follicle miniaturization, resulting in the predominance of fine vellus hairs.