Line-Field Optical Coherence Tomography: Usefulness in the Non-Invasive Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Alopecia of Infancy

Line-Field Optical Coherence Tomography: Usefulness in the Non-Invasive Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Alopecia of Infancy

Authors

  • Linda Tognetti Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6691-4310
  • Giulia Galluccio Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.
  • Teresa Oranges Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
  • Elisa Pianigiani Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.
  • Francesca Ierardi Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.
  • elisa cinotti Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.
  • Pietro Rubegni Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy.

Keywords:

nevus sebaceous, dermoscopy, line-field confocal optical coherence tomography, aplasia cutis congenita, congenital triangular alopecia, congenital alopecia

Abstract

Introduction: Soon after birth, the clinical differential diagnosis between sebaceous of Jadassohn (NSJ), congenital triangular alopecia (CTA) and aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) may be challenging. A certain overlap of standard dermoscopic features can occur, especially in atypical cases, depending on scalp skin morphology and maturation age. The recently developed line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) can provide morphological skin details with cellular resolution trough a rapid non-invasive examination.

Objectives: To assess the LC-OCT features of 6 cases of congenital alopecia of different aetiologies, with both typical and atypical clinical appearance.

Methods: A non-invasive imaging examination combining standard dermoscopy, high-resolution videodermoscopy (HRVD) and LC-OCT was realized in 7 babies presenting for congenital alopecia with overlapping features, aged between 5 months and 5 years.

Results: Based on the specific LC-OCT features, and supported by HRVD features, a diagnosis of nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn (NSJ), congenital triangular alopecia (CTA) and aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) were made in 4, 2 and 1 case, respectively.

Conclusions: The combined LC-OCT plus HRVD non-invasive imaging bring the advantage to have a real time diagnosis, to set the proper management and allows to avoid a skin biopsy in the perinatal age/first years of life at delicate skin site.

Author Biography

Linda Tognetti, Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, Dermatology Section, University of Siena, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, Siena, Italy

Department of Dermatology, Division of Medical, Surgical and Neuro-Sciences

University of Siena, Siena (Italy)

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Published

2024-07-31

How to Cite

1.
Line-Field Optical Coherence Tomography: Usefulness in the Non-Invasive Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Alopecia of Infancy. Dermatol Pract Concept [Internet]. 2024 Jul. 31 [cited 2024 Dec. 5];14(3):e2024142. Available from: https://www.dpcj.org/index.php/dpc/article/view/4093

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