Lipedematous alopecia: an unusual sequela of discoid lupus, or other co-conspirators at work?
BACKGROUND
Lipedematous alopecia is a rare entity of uncertain origin characterized by a boggy scalp and varying alopecia. Of 11 cases in the literature, 7 occurred in African American women. Classic histopathologic findings include increased subcutaneous tissue, varying inflammation, and an absence of mucin. Some have sought to distinguish this disorder from lipedematous scalp, a condition with similar tactile features, but without alopecia.


METHODS
We describe a case of lipedematous alopecia in an African American woman who also had findings of discoid lupus erythematosus. Such an observation has not been made previously, and may provide insight into the cause of lipedematous alopecia. This case is contrasted with a case of lipedematous scalp.


CONCLUSIONS
Some cases of lipedematous alopecia may represent an unusual consequence of discoid lupus erythematosus. Alternatively, it is possible that lipedematous scalp is a benign condition observed in some patients, and that a second insult results in alopecia. Finally, lipedematous alopecia might share some histopathologic and/or clinical findings with discoid lupus erythematosus, or it may represent a nonspecific reaction pattern to chronic injury.
High
Whitney A
WA
Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. wahigh50@hotmail.com
Hoang
Mai P
MP
D001741:Black or African American; D000505:Alopecia / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008179:Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology*