title: Alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp (pseudocyst of the scalp): a prospective clinicopathological study of 15 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp (AANS) is a new entity reported first in Japan as 'pseudocyst of the scalp'. Only retrospective studies have been published.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinicopathological features of AANS (pseudocyst), to evaluate the response to doxycycline and to compare the results to those obtained from patients with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients with AANS and 7 with DCS were prospectively included. A puncture and a biopsy were made. Patients were treated with doxycycline (100 mg/day) for 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AANS affects predominantly young (mean age 29.7 years), Caucasian (11/15), male (14/15) patients. The main location of the nodules was the occiput. The associated alopecia was nonscarring. Material from the puncture was aseptic. The histopathology showed a deep granuloma in 7 of 14 patients and a nonspecific inflammation in 7 patients. After 3 months, 8 patients were cured and 3 had a good response.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The singular aspect of the nodules, the nonscarring alopecia, the deep inflammatory infiltrate and the efficacy of doxycycline confer specificity to AANS.
authors.affiliation: Centre Sabouraud, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France. sami.abdennader@live.fr
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abdennader
authors.forename: Marie-Dominique
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Vignon-Pennamen
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hatchuel
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reygagne
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004318:Doxycycline