Features of classic lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia in reflectance confocal microscopy: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background: Classic lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia. In patients with ambiguous clinical presentation, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) a new noninvasive skin imaging technique, could be a helpful diagnostic tool. The aim of our study was to describe the characteristic features of classic LPP and FFA using RCM.

Materials and methods: Ten patients with classic lichen planopilaris and two with frontal fibrosing alopecia were examined with RCM.

Results: Lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate around the hair follicle was observed in three cases of classic LPP and FFA (3/12; 25.0%). Extensive perifollicular fibrosis was seen in nine patients (9/12; 75.0%) with classic LPP and FFA. An increased number of white, ill-defined, coarse dermal fibers at the level of the superficial dermis were visible in seven cases (7/12; 58.3%). Moreover, dilated blood vessels were present in seven patients with classic LPP and FFA (7/12; 58.3%).

Conclusion: Summing up, reflectance confocal microscopy allows to visualize major key diagnostic features of classic lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia in the real time. The value of RCM examination in scarring alopecia needs to be further evaluated, but it appears to be a useful adjuvant tool for the initial diagnosis of classic LPP and FFA.

Keywords: cicatricial alopecia; frontal fibrosing alopecia; lichen planopilaris; noninvasive skin imaging technique; reflectance confocal microscopy.