[Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia: 20 cases]

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2003 Jun-Jul;130(6-7):607-10.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring alopecia that has been recently described by Kossard in 1994 and rarely reported in the literature.

Observations: We have conducted a retrospective clinical and histological study of a series of 20 cases of postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia. The results, in agreement with those in the literature, revealed the stereotyped nature of this entity.

Discussion: All the clinical and histological data suggest that postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia is a clinical form of lichen planopilaris occurring in elderly women. As with lichen planopilaris its physiopathology is unknown. However, in analogy with other lichen-like dermatoses, a lymphocyte T-mediated autoimmune reaction appears to play a predominant part in its genesis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alopecia / diagnosis
  • Alopecia / epidemiology*
  • Alopecia / immunology
  • Autoimmunity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus / diagnosis
  • Lichen Planus / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Time Factors