Loose anagen syndrome: Indagini morfologiche, biochimiche e chimiche del capello

Loose anagen syndrome was first described by Zaun, in 1984. The distinctive feature of this rare entity is the phenomenon of easily pluckable hair, caused by impaired adherence of the hair buld to the follicle. No signs of inflammation or scarring are present on the scalp. The condition may be self limiting with age. We report the case of a 9 years old girl who presented blond, sparse, finely textured hair which could be easily pulled out from the scalp. In addition, our patient had a complex neurological and cutaneous clincial pictures. A trichogram demonstrated a prevalence of dystrophic anagen hair. Chemical and biochemical investigation showed a reduction in sulphurated aminoacids and in sulphur content. Light microscopy revealed the presence of anagen hair with dystrophic bulbs and the absence of external root sheat. Scanning electron microscopy showed the typical rolling back of the cuticle. Authors report the case and discuss the results of the microanalitic study of the affected hair which could give a clue to the understanding of the pathogenesis. Moreover, it is interesting the association of Loose anagen syndrome with cutaneous and neurological defects.