[Pili canaliculi (uncombable hair syndrome or spun glass hair syndrome). A scanning electron microscope study of ten new cases (author's transl)].

"Uncombable hair" is the denomination applied to a new abnormality of the hair, being characterized by its arranged in bundles disposed in different directions and which are irreductible on combing. It may have a familial trait and starts at the age of 3 months onwards. It appears in children of both sexes, whose hair becomes dry, tightly curled, shiny, lighter and impossible to comb. There are no accompanying abnormalities in the development. Neither have any biological changes been registered. The clinical and ultrastructural aspects of 10 cases of children affected with "uncombable hair" are presented. At the scanning electron microscope we have observed longitudinally disposed canalicular formations on the cuticular surface of 50 p. 100 of hair taken from each patient. The canal is, in some zones, more excavated than in others, occasionaly has an irregular outline and sometimes is uniformly located nearly along the whole length of the hair. The transversal section shows triangular aspects, kidney-shaped or completely irregular. We agree with Dupré to use the term pili canaliculi for the defect shown by these patients.