| Pili torti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Menkes disease | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics  |
Pili torti (singular pilus tortus; also known as "twisted hairs") is characterized by short and brittle hairs that appear flattened and twisted when viewed through a microscope.[1]: 638 [2]: 764 [3]
Pili torti can be acquired or inherited. Many different genetic syndromes such as Björnstad syndrome and Menkes disease can cause pili torti. Different ectodermal dysplasias like Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome and ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate syndrome can also cause pili torti. Acquired pili torti can be associated with different dermatological conditions or medications. Pili torti is often associated with cicatricial alopecia including lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and discoid lupus erythematosus. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, oral retinoids, sodium valproate, and carbamide perhydrate have been known to induce pili torti.
The diagnosis of pili torti is made via trichoscopic and microscopic inspection. Pili torti does not have any specific treatment.
- ^ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
- ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.