IDENTICAL ALOPECIA AREATA IN IDENTICAL TWINS

In the past many dermatologic and nondermatologic diseases have been reported in twins. To enumerate only a few, they are lichen planus,¹ von Recklinghausen's disease (neurofibromatosis),² rosacea,³ summer prurigo,⁴ ichthyosis hystrix,⁵ peptic ulcers,⁶ calcified mesenteric glands,⁷ pilonidal cysts,⁸ ephelides,⁹ lentigines,⁹ and dermatitis herpetiformis.⁹ There have also been reported several cases of allergy of similar type and onset.¹⁰

The following case of alopecia areata beginning at the same time on identical areas of the scalp in monozygotic twins aroused our interest.

REPORT OF A CASE

Robert L. and Raymond L., 11 years of age, presented themselves to the Dermatology Clinic, City of Detroit Receiving Hospital, on Oct. 31, 1947, with the complaint that each had a bald spot on his head. Their mother stated that these spots had been first seen by her on the same day in