Reticular Alopecia Areata Associated with Thyroid Dysfunction: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects a significant number of people worldwide, characterized by sudden and unpredictable hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or body. Among its clinical variants is reticular alopecia areata, a reticulated or network-like pattern that can progress to more severe forms. It also shares genetic and immunological etiology with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Clinical Case: We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III/VI, with asymmetric dermatosis located on the bilateral scalp, characterized by multiple alopecia plaques with well-defined irregular borders of variable shapes and sizes, some of which converge and adopt a reticular distribution with smooth, shiny skin. Laboratory tests revealed suppressed TSH levels and positive anti-TSH receptor antibodies, consistent with Graves-Basedow disease. Conclusions: It has been shown that the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases is significantly higher in patients with severe and refractory cases of alopecia areata, so it is important to remember to evaluate thyroid function and perform antithyroid antibodies in patients with moderate to severe clinical variants such as reticular alopecia areata.