A case of loose anagen syndrome in an African American girl

A Case of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome in a Southeast Asian Boy

Loose anagen hair syndrome is an uncommon hair disorder, particularly in non-Caucasian children. We report the case of a 13-year-old Thai boy who presented with a single patch of hair thinning on the frontal scalp with excessive shedding, and the hairs did not grow long. Microscopic examination showed naked anagen bulbs with ruffling of the cuticle, which is compatible with loose anagen hair syndrome. To our knowledge, there is no reported case in Southeast Asian children.

Loose Anagen Syndrome: A Retrospective Chart Review of 37 Cases

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) is a disorder of abnormal anchorage of the hair to the scalp. Its symptoms include an inability to grow hair long and hair that is easily pulled out.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with LAS over the last 10 years at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and found 37 cases.

RESULTS

LAS was more common in females and was found in all hair colors and skin types.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of LAS should be made based on history, microscopic findings, and hair bulb and shaft features.