A CASE OF ALOPECIA AREATA ASSOCIATED WITH ENDODONTIC TREATMENT FAILURE.

Introduction: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by a small area of hair loss due to inflammatory reaction directed against hair follicles. The aim of this case report is to present the role of successful endodontic treatment in the therapy of alopecia areata. Case report: The patient is a 27-year-old male referred from the dermatologist for diagnostic procedures of possible dental infection associated with localized hair loss. According to the patient, the root canal treatment of tooth 24 was performed six months ago by a general dentist. The extra-oral examination revealed an alopecic area of an irregular shape, about 3 cm in diameter, located on the left occipital area. The suspected tooth 24 was slightly sensitive on palpation and percussion. The radiography confirmed the presence of inadequate root canal filling with apical periodontitis. The previous roots filling was removed and intra-canal medication over two weeks period was made. The obturation was performed by the lateral condensation technique, using AH Plus sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Germany) and gutta-percha points. Results and conclusions: Six weeks after endodontic retreatment, first signs of clinical improvement have been observed. Close inspection revealed the appearance of new hair follicles at the site of alopecia areata. Bacterial infection related to poorly cleaned and obturated root canals may cause an inflammatory reaction of the host defense cells and consequently induce disease in distanced tissues. In this case, the endodontic retreatment and elimination of root canal infection gave positive results in the therapy of alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]