Co-Occurrence of Pityriasis Amiantacea and Cutis Verticis Gyrata Secondary to Leukaemia Cutis of the Scalp

Abstract

Introduction: Pityriasis amiantacea (PA) is a rare presentation characterized by the presence of extensive adherent scaling that tightly encircles and affixes tufts of hairs secondary to inflammatory or infectious dermatoses. However, the occurrence of PA as a consequence of leukaemia cutis has not been previously reported.

Case report: A 32-year-old man with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) presented with severe scalp scaling and hair loss for 2 months. Examination revealed extensive, tightly adherent scales encircling and binding down hairs, along with haemorrhagic crusts. Skin examination showed nontender, partially blanchable papules forming ill-defined plaques, giving a cobblestone appearance. Trichoscopy revealed white crusts, tufting, and micro-haemorrhages. Scalp biopsy confirmed precursor B-ALL infiltration. He was diagnosed with PA with secondary cutis verticis gyrata due to leukaemia cutis and referred to a haemato-oncologist for further management.

Discussion: Leukaemia cutis is a rare condition where leukaemia cells infiltrate the skin, often associated with acute myeloid leukaemia and ALL. It can lead to secondary verticis gyrata. The co-occurrence of PA and cutis verticis gyrata is rare and previously unreported, highlighting the need for increased awareness among clinicians.

Keywords: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; Cutis verticis gyrata; Dermoscopy; Leukaemia cutis; Pityriasis amiantacea.