Yonsei Med J.  2010 Jul;51(4):612-614. 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.4.612.

Cutis Verticis Gyrata and Alopecia Areata: A Synchronous Coincidence?

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. drseo@hanafos.com

Abstract

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a descriptive term for a scalp condition that is convoluted folds and deep furrows that resemble the surface of the cerebral cortex. It is categorized by the underlying etiology, as primary essential, primary non-essential and secondary. Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, organ specific autoimmune disease, and most AA cases are sporadic. There is clearly a strong genetic component. There is no established relationship between CVG and AA. We report one case which was affected with essential primary CVG and alopecia areata, and suggest a possibility of genetic association between CVG and AA, possibly both being related to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2).

Keyword

Alopecia areata; cutis verticis gyrata; fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)

Figure

  • Fig. 1 The skin on the scalp shows parallel vertical folds and furrows. Hair appears multiple bald patches on the scalp.

  • Fig. 2 (A) The scalp biopsy on the occipital furrow area shows slightly increased dermal collagen and arrector pilar muscle (H&E stain,×20). (B) The scalp biopsy on the vertex fold area shows slightly increased dermal collagen (H&E stain,×20). (C) The scalp biopsy on the vertex fold area with alopecia areata area shows lymphocytic peribulbar infiltration (H&E stain,×40).


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