Diagnostic and grading criteria for androgenetic alopecia using dermoscopy

Abstract

Objectives: To establish accurate and objective dermoscopic diagnostic criteria and grading standards for males and females with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: Twenty patients each with AGA, diffuse alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and healthy controls were enrolled in the current study. In addition, 60 patients with grades F1/V1, F2/V2, and F3/V3 AGA (20 cases each) were enrolled. The patients underwent dermoscopic examinations. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria were based on the 60 AGA and 60 non-AGA. In addition, 150 patients diagnosed with AGA clinically and by dermoscopy were enrolled to calculate the accuracy of the grading criteria. Results: The diagnostic criteria included primary, secondary, and exclusion criteria. The grading criteria included three indices, which divided the severity of AGA into grades 1, 2, and 3. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria were 98.3% and 96.7% respectively. The accuracy of grade 1, 2, and 3 dermoscopic grading criteria were 96%, 92%, and 100% respectively, with a total accuracy of 96%. Limitations: To test the diagnostic and grading criteria, more patients need to be collected. Conclusions: The dermoscopic diagnostic and grading criteria are objective with good accuracy, which could provide a reasonable basis for the early diagnosis, grading treatment, and improved prognosis for AGA.