Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Is There a Link in Relatives?

Abstract

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an acquired primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia characterized by frontotemporal hairline recession, leading to scarring alopecia with a band-like distribution. Prevalence is increasing worldwide, being the most frequent cause of primary scarring alopecia. The natural history of this condition is variable; however, slow progression with spontaneous remission is the most frequent reported outcome. The etiopathogenesis of FFA remains to be elucidated; numerous hypotheses concerning hormonal effects, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition have been proposed. Special interest on genetic basis has emerged since the first familial case was reported. Only a few more familial cases have been published. We report 6 additional cases of female patients with familial FFA (F-FFA) from 3 different families. Sixty-six percent had a family history of autoimmune disease in first-degree relatives; these same patients had a personal history of autoimmune disease. The families described in this cohort study plus the personal and family history of autoimmune disease, as well as the recently described involved genomic loci; reinforced the hypothesis of this disease being genetic. It is important to consider studying this entity since there are scarce data regarding familial cases and this might give us a better insight toward understanding its pathogenesis.