Bilateral Temporal Alopecia in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: An Unusual New Presentation

December 2024 in “ Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology ”

Shuying Lv, Guangzhong Zhang, Ying Wang, Dingquan Yang

androgenetic alopecia male androgenetic alopecia reverse MAGA betamethasone isotretinoin minoxidil finasteride androgen receptor type I 5α-reductase type II 5α-reductase AGA Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Atypical male hair loss may not respond to usual treatments.

This article reports a unique case of male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) with an atypical presentation termed "reverse MAGA," where a 33-year-old male experienced progressive thinning of hair in the bilateral temporal regions without involvement of the sideburns, anterior hairline, or vertex. Despite treatment with betamethasone, isotretinoin, minoxidil, and finasteride, there was no significant hair regrowth. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AGA, and immunohistochemistry showed positive androgen receptor expression but negative for type I and II 5α-reductase, suggesting a differential response to traditional MAGA treatments. This case highlights the need for further studies to understand and treat this atypical form of alopecia.