The Value of Trichoscopy and Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Post-COVID-19 Telogen Effluvium

This study investigates the distinct trichoscopic and histopathological features of post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium (TE) in 13 patients. Trichoscopy revealed thick, livedoid arborizing vessels and giant serpiginous vessels in 38% of cases, with a strong correlation between the presence of giant vessels and the need for supplementary oxygen during COVID-19 infection (p=0.001). Histopathology showed a catagen/telogen shift and a consistent superficial perivascular and perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate, suggesting a direct viral or immune-mediated insult. These findings highlight the unique vascular patterns that can help distinguish post-COVID-19 TE from classical TE.