Pili annulati with fragility: Electron microscopic findings of a case

• Published in: International journal of trichology Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 89 - 92
• Main Authors: Akoglu, Gulsen, Emre, Selma, Metin, Ahmet, Erbil, K Mine, Akpolat, Demet, Firat, Aysegul, Hayran, Murvet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-04-2012; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Case Report; Case studies; Diagnosis; Electron microscopy; Hair; Hair diseases; Light; Microscopy; Pathogenesis; India; pili annulati; hair shaft abnormality; Electron microscopy; fragility; shinny beads; weathering pattern
• ISSN: 0974-7753; 0974-9241
• DOI: 10.4103/0974-7753.96909

Pili annulati (PA) is typically characterized by shinny beads seen along the hair shaft. PA is accepted to belong to the classification of hair shaft abnormalities without fragility. Herein, we described a 14-year-old, fair skin with dark-haired girl diagnosed as PA with fragility which was demonstrated by weathering features in electron microscopic examinations. The patient had shinny beaded, easily breakable hairs since the age of four. A few broken hairs were observed by a light pull test. Transmitted light microscopy revealed periodic dark bands in the hair shaft. These dark bands disappeared after application of 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide. Multiple cavities within hair shaft and severe cuticular damages representing the weathering pattern were observed in electron microscopic examinations. All these findings were found to be consistent with presence of fragility in PA. This case provides evidences of fragile hair structure of PA which may be due to pathological cavities within hair shafts.