title: Histological features of peripilar signs associated with androgenetic alopecia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A study of the scalp in a large cohort of volunteers with androgenetic alopecia using macrophotographs showed the presence of peripilar signs (PPS) around the hair ostia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to establish the histopathological features related to PPS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective clinicopathological study. SETTING. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Bologna.
  
  
  METHODS
  A group of 40 patients (21 males and 19 females) participated in the study. Macrophotographs of the scalp were taken using a Dermaphot camera and PPS were scored using a three-point scale. Hair density and PPS were clinically scored according to reference scales. Two punch biopsies from the photographed area were obtained from each subject and histological analysis was performed on vertical and horizontal sections.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical parameters indicated that PPS were already detectable on scalp with high hair density. Moreover, in patients with high hair density (score >4), a significant relationship was found between the PPS score and the global score for perifollicular infiltrates. Thus PPS are linked to superficial perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrates in early androgenetic alopecia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PPS could be the clinical signs reflecting the presence of perifollicular infiltrates.
authors.affiliation: Centre Charles Zviak, L'Oréal Recherche, 90 rue du Général Roguet, 92583 Clichy Cedex, France. cdeloche@rd.loreal.com
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Deloche
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: de Lacharrière
authors.forename: Cosimo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Misciali
authors.forename: Bianca Maria
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Piraccini
authors.forename: Colombina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vincenzi
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bastien
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tardy
authors.forename: Bruno A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tosti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology*