Cutis Aplasia
Cutis Aplasia is a congenital defect in which there is an absence of a portion of skin and possibly underlying structures including bone, dura, and neural tissue.
About Cutis Aplasia
It most commonly occurs in the scalp – vertex or parietal region near the scalp hair whorl.
What is the worry with large areas of cutis aplasia on the scalp?
- Larger defects tend to include deeper structures.
- More risk of complications: sagittal sinus thrombosis,
hemorrhage, meningitis.
What does it look like?
- Circular, linear or stellate – Atrophic, membranous, parchment-like – Distorted hair growth – hair collar sign.
When conservative management fails, the treatment involves a surgery when the defect is excised and reconstructed. The complexity of the reconstruction is based on the size of the defect. Keep in mind that large defects are at risk of complications.