ISID0192 - Three-Dimensional Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound Facilitates Image Processing to Visualize Microstructural Changes of Hair Follicles and Detects Distinct Disease Phases of Alopecia Areata

The study explores the use of three-dimensional ultra-high frequency ultrasound (3D-uHFUS) to visualize microstructural changes in hair follicles and detect different disease phases of alopecia areata (AA). Involving 18 AA patients, the study successfully used 3D-uHFUS to obtain transverse and vertical images of hair follicles, similar to those from scalp biopsies. This method allowed for the assessment of hair cycle status and peribulbar inflammation in 15 out of 18 cases. Unique pathological signs, such as hyperechogenic ovoid structures (HOSs) and inverse triangular hypoechogenicity (ITH), were identified, with HOSs linked to poor prognosis and ITH associated with acute phases of AA. These findings suggest that 3D-uHFUS could be a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for AA, offering early prediction of clinical outcomes and treatment responses.