Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome

Alternate names

Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome; Graham Little syndrome; Piccardi-Lassueur-Little syndrome

Definition

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (GLPLS) is a rare type of scarring hair loss.

Epidemiology

It is most commonly found in otherwise healthy women between the ages of 30 and 70 years.

Cause

The cause of this condition is not known; however, over the years, researchers have suggested theories that it may develop in relation to genetic factors, viral exposures, hormonal changes, immune system issues, stress, and vitamin deficiencies.

Signs and symptoms

• LPLS is characterized by three features: progressive patchy scarring hair loss of the scalp (cicatricial alopecia), non-scarring thinning of the hair in the armpits and groin (noncicatricial alopecia), and spiky rough bumps based around hair follicles (follicular lichen planus).
• Sometimes individuals with GLPLS experience itching around affected areas, which can be severe.

Clinical presentation

For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. 80%-99% of people have these symptoms Alopecia(Hair loss)

• Perifollicular hyperkeratosis
• Sparse axillary hair(Limited armpit hair)
• Sparse pubic hair(Decreased sexual hair)
• Sparse scalp hair(Reduced/lack of hair on scalp)

30%-79% of people have these symptoms

• Lichenification
• Pruritus(Itching)

Diagnosis

• Routine investigation, including hemogram, blood sugar, renal and liver function tests, and thyroid function test were within normal limits.
• A biopsy from the scalp revealed features of scarring alopecia with dermis replaced by fibrous tissue with perifollicular and junctional lichenoid infilterate.
• Based on the above findings, a diagnosis of Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome was made.<ref>Pai, V. V., Kikkeri, N. N., Sori, T., & Dinesh, U. (2011). Graham-little piccardi lassueur syndrome: an unusual variant of follicular lichen planus. International journal of trichology, 3(1), 28–30. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.82129</ref>[1].

Treatment

Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of hair loss and may include corticosteroids, retinoids (medications related to vitamin A), psoralen plus ultraviolet light A (PUVA), antimalarial medications, and antibiotics.

References

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NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome is a rare disease.