Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE)

Misdiagnoses common with CTE

Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is an interesting and frequently misdiagnosed hair shedding condition. Many patients with androgenetic alopecia, acute telogen effluvium and even alopecia areata are diagnosed as having chronic telogen effluvium.

How does CTE present?

Most patients with true CTE are 40-65 and present with sudden onset of increased hair shedding that fluctuates in intensity. Some days there is alot of shedding. Some days very little. Many patients have scalp pain (trichodynia) which may correlate with the shedding episodes. Patients with CTE often appear to have good hair density to an outsider which makes the condition frustrating for the patient. A careful history and exam can confirm the diagnosis in many cases. Follicular miniaturization is not a feature unless genetic hair loss is present too. A hair collection or scalp biopsy is useful in more challenging cases.