Alopecia Areata and the Acquired-Immunodeficiency-Syndrome-Related Complex

Excerpt

To THE EDITOR: The cause of alopecia areata remains unclear. Studies have suggested that the disorder is mediated by immune mechanisms, because it is a recognized complication of immunodeficiency disorders (1). Alterations in B and T lymphocytes and specifically T-suppressor and helper cells have been reported in these patients (2, 3). We report the case of a patient presenting with alopecia areata in whom a diagnosis of the acquired-immunodeficiency-syndrome-related complex was established. A possible relationship between the two diseases is suggested.

A 42-year-old promiscuous homosexual man with a history of intravenous drug abuse presented for evaluation of hair loss on