Sarcoidal alopecia as a mimic of discoid lupus erythematosus

Cicatricial alopecia presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. In particular, lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis of the scalp may resemble discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). We report two cases of sarcoidal alopecia originally thought to represent DLE scarring plaques of the scalp. A subsequent h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2008-07, Vol.59 (1), p.143-145
Main Authors: Henderson, Clifford L., BS, Lafleur, Laci, MD, Sontheimer, Richard D., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alopecia - etiology
Biological and medical sciences
Biopsy
Burns, Chemical - complications
Dermatology
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Hair and nails disorders
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid - diagnosis
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Sarcoidosis - complications
Sarcoidosis - diagnosis
Sarcoidosis - pathology
Sarcoidosis. Granulomatous diseases of unproved etiology. Connective tissue diseases. Elastic tissue diseases. Vasculitis
Scalp Dermatoses - complications
Scalp Dermatoses - diagnosis
Scalp Dermatoses - pathology
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Summary:Cicatricial alopecia presents a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. In particular, lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis of the scalp may resemble discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). We report two cases of sarcoidal alopecia originally thought to represent DLE scarring plaques of the scalp. A subsequent histopathologic diagnosis of sarcoidal alopecia was made. These cases highlight the importance of making the correct diagnosis of sarcoidal alopecia versus DLE so that a patient can receive the correct work-up and definitive treatment. These cases illustrate the fact that there should be a low threshold for biopsy of cicatricial plaques on the scalp.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.02.014