Monilethrix — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardHair DisordersMonilethrixSCE Dermatology

A 40-year-old woman presents with hair shaft abnormality. Microscopic examination of hair shafts shows a beaded appearance with alternating elliptical nodes and constricted internodes. What is this hair shaft abnormality called?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Monilethrix

The best answer is “Monilethrix”. The diagnosis follows the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology and time course; management changes when red flags, scarring, systemic disease or malignancy risk are present. The alternatives “Pili torti”, “Trichorrhexis nodosa”, “Pili annulati”, “Trichorrhexis invaginata (bamboo hair)” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not fit the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology, risk signal or management sequence in this stem.

Reference: British Association of Dermatologists clinical resources: https://www.bad.org.uk/