Case Report: acute telogen effluvium post COVID-19 associated with androgen receptors

Abstract

Background: Telogen effluvium can be defined as diffuse, scarless hair loss that occurs about 2-3 months after a triggering event. It is generally self-limiting. Currently, COVID19 infection has recently been associated with dermatological manifestations, including telogen effluvium. Description of the clinical case: The case of a 48-year-old female patient is presented who came to the consultation referring to a sudden and massive loss of hair of approximately 30-40% of the follicular units, of two weeks of evolution. No previous history of hair loss, childhood pneumonia, with a family history of androgenetic alopecia from his father, and of infection by Covid-19 subsequently confirmed by laboratory. On physical examination, a positive pull test was observed, a fine and dehydrated macroscopic appearance and generalized loss of density without dermal alterations. Trichoscopy showed empty follicles and more than 20% of the follicles in the telogen phase. We diagnosed telogen effluvium post COVID-19 and underlying androgenetic alopecia (sub-clinical). Conclusions: With a growing number of patients recovering from COVID-19, the risk of developing this physically and emotionally distressing dermatological manifestation will probably continue to rise, thanks to the implementation of specific genetic tests (Trichological) the patient was identified in the early phase of female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA), a pathology poorly diagnosed in this sex.