A Comparison of Vertical and Transverse Sections in the Histological Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata Scalp Biopsy Specimens.
BACKGROUND
Both vertical and transverse sections are used for the diagnosis of alopecia areata. However when a single biopsy is submitted the pathologist has to decide which type is better.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the diagnostic histological features in vertical and transverse sections in alopecia areata scalp biopsy specimens.


METHODS
Tertiary Care Hospital. Comparative Study.


METHODS
A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Two four mm punch biopsy were taken. One was used to take vertical sections and the other for transverse section and histological features of alopecia areata noted in both.


METHODS
Chi-square test, percentage.


RESULTS
Diagnosis of alopecia areata could be made in 30 (100%) cases in transverse sections and 28 cases (93.3%) in vertical sections. The number of hair follicles available for evaluation was more in the transverse section. Nanogen follicles and miniaturization of follicles were better visualized in the transverse sections. However the catagen and telogen follicles were noted in both vertical and transverse sections but the number and the ratio of anagen and telogen hair follicles could be better assessed in the transverse sections. Presence of peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrate, eosinophils and pigment casts were noted in both transverse and vertical sections.


CONCLUSIONS
Transverse sections provide a better assessment of the histological features of alopecia areata than vertical sections and thus should be preferred.
Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Kanika
K
Singh
Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Sonal
S
Sharma
Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Usha Rani
UR
Singh
Department of Dermatology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Sambit Nath
SN
Bhattacharya
Alopecia areata; histopathology; horizontal section; vertical section