Brocq Pseudopelade

Updated: Feb 28, 2022
  • Author: Kendall M Egan, MD, FAAD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Overview

Practice Essentials

In 1888, Brocq used the term pseudopelade to describe a unique form of cicatricial alopecia resembling alopecia areata (pelade is the French term for alopecia areata). [1]  Over the last century, this condition has been a source of controversy.

While some believe pseudopelade is a unique entity, most now believe that it is an end-stage or clinical variant of various forms of cicatricial alopecia. [2]  The same pattern of alopecia can be found in end-stage discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), lichen planopilaris (LLP), and other forms of cicatricial alopecia. The confusion is further amplified by a difference in definition between different countries. For example, in Germany, all types of inflammatory cicatricial alopecia are included in the grouping of pseudopelade. In contrast, American dermatologists have used the term as a diagnosis of exclusion. [3]

Pseudopelade of Brocq is not a specific disease, but a pattern of cicatricial alopecia. [4]  The literature also refers to pseudopelade of Brocq as a lymphocytic primary scarring alopecia. [5]  If a definitive diagnosis of DLE, LLP, or another condition can be made based on clinical, histologic, or immunofluorescent features, then the term pseudopelade of Brocq cannot be used. A primary form of traditional pseudopelade may exist, but this has yet to be established with certainty.

Causes

Most cases of pseudopelade of Brocq represent the end stage of LPP, DLE, or folliculitis decalvans.  In support of pseudopelade as a primary disorder, rare familial cases have been reported. [6, 7]

Laboratory Studies

Other than scalp biopsy, no laboratory test has been found useful in establishing the diagnosis of pseudopelade of Brocq. If the history or physical examination findings suggest evidence of lupus erythematosus, antinuclear antibody testing would be appropriate.

Consultations

Consultations may include a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon (if the patient is a candidate for surgical correction).

Patient Education

Information for patient education can be obtained from the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation (C.A.R.F.).

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Pathophysiology

The following 2 types of pseudopelade of Brocq are recognized:

  • Burnt-out or end-stage scarring alopecias (eg, LLP, DLE) [8] - Pathophysiology corresponds to underlying disease process

  • Primary idiopathic pseudopelade - Pathophysiology unknown

Pseudopelade of Brocq is considered end-stage permanent alopecia. The general pathogenesis of scarring alopecias has focused on the following theories of thought [9, 10] :

  • Stem cell failure: The bulge region of the hair follicle houses follicular stem cells. These cells are essential for hair growth. Direct damage to the bulge region may cause permanent scarring hair loss.

  • Sebaceous gland destruction: The sebaceous gland connects to the hair follicle just superior to where the inner root sheath degenerates. This degeneration is required for the hair shaft to exit the skin normally. The sebaceous gland may have a crucial role in this process.

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Epidemiology

The true prevalence of pseudopelade of Brocq in the general population is unknown, but it would appear to be very uncommon. Pseudopelade of Brocq is more common in whites. Females are affected by pseudopelade of Brocq more often than males. The typical patient is a middle-aged woman with Fitzpatrick type 2 skin (white skin, often with blue eyes; burns and does not tan easily). Although pseudopelade of Brocq has been reported rarely in children, [11, 6, 12] the onset most commonly occurs between ages 30 and 50 years.

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Prognosis

In reference to pseudopelade as a burnt-out form of alopecia discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) or lichen planopilaris (LLP), the prognosis depends on the underlying disease process.

Primary pseudopelade or idiopathic scarring alopecia can reactivate episodically and unpredictably. Episodes may be single or may be numerous extending over several decades. Some patients continue to have focal hair loss, while others progress to widespread alopecia. Rare cases of rapidly progressing pseudopelade have been reported. [2]  

Pseudopelade of Brocq patients may have emotional distress due to the progressive nature of the disorder and the poor response to treatment.

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