BACKGROUND: Lipedematous alopecia and lipedematous scalp are two similar unusual conditions mostly affecting healthy black women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to report three cases of this condition with emphasis on clinical and histologic findings, and to review the literature on the subject. METHODS: The study includes clinical, echographic, and histologic findings of 3 patients, complemented with a literature review. RESULTS: Two cases of lipedematous alopecia and one of lipedematous scalp in 3 white women had echographic confirmation of an increased subcutaneous layer. The presence of ectatic lymphatic vessels in the two cases with hair loss was particularly emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a lessened role of racial factors, but confirms the sex implications in these related conditions, and stress the potential significance of lymphangiectatic vessels in the development of alopecia in these patients.
BACKGROUND:Lipedematous alopecia and lipedematous scalp are two similar unusual conditions mostly affecting healthy black women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to report three cases of this condition with emphasis on clinical and histologic findings, and to review the literature on the subject. METHODS: The study includes clinical, echographic, and histologic findings of 3 patients, complemented with a literature review. RESULTS: Two cases of lipedematous alopecia and one of lipedematous scalp in 3 white women had echographic confirmation of an increased subcutaneous layer. The presence of ectatic lymphatic vessels in the two cases with hair loss was particularly emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a lessened role of racial factors, but confirms the sex implications in these related conditions, and stress the potential significance of lymphangiectatic vessels in the development of alopecia in these patients.