Pediatric Radiation-Induced Alopecia Post Intracranial Vascular Malformation Embolization: A Case Report with Dermoscopic Findings

February 2026 in “ Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology ”

Chen Sun, Xiao Yang

radiation-induced alopecia alopecic patch dermoscopy Pohl-Pinkus constrictions tapered hairs dystrophic anagen response follicular damage hair regrowth radiation hair loss hair loss patch scalp examination hair thinning hair recovery

TLDR A 7-year-old girl experienced temporary hair loss due to radiation, with signs of possible hair regrowth.

A 7-year-old girl developed a square-shaped alopecic patch on her occipital scalp 18 days after intracranial vascular malformation embolization, attributed to radiation-induced alopecia (RIA). Dermoscopic examination showed black dots, yellow dots, Pohl-Pinkus constrictions, tapered hairs, flame hairs, and upright regrowing hairs, confirming RIA due to the match with the radiation exposure field. The presence of Pohl-Pinkus constrictions and tapered hairs indicates a dystrophic anagen response, suggesting less severe follicular damage and potential for hair regrowth. This case highlights dermoscopy's role in distinguishing RIA from other alopecic conditions in pediatric neurointerventional patients.

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