Anterior Cervical Hypertrichosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Anterior cervical hypertrichosis (ACH), or "hairy throat," is a rare form of localized hypertrichosis that refers to the presence of a tuft of terminal hair on the anterior neck. Only 40 cases of ACH have been reported in the literature. Although it is usually an isolated finding, it may be associated with systemic disorders such as neurologic abnormalities (peripheral neuropathy, developmental delay, mental retardation), ophthalmologic disorders (optic atrophy, chorioretinal changes), hallux valgus, and dorsal hypertrichosis. Thus it is strongly advised to take a thorough family history and to perform clinical examinations and investigations (neurologic and ophthalmologic examination, electromyography, X-ray of the feet) in all patients with ACH to exclude possible associated abnormalities. We report the case of a 7-year-old Italian girl who presented with this condition as an isolated finding.

Hipertricosis cervical anterior: caso clínico

“…De ellos, 34, incluido el presente caso, corresponden a la HCA no sindrómica, de los cuales 21 casos pertenecen a 5 familias (predomina el sexo femenino con 16 casos descritos) 1,4,5,7,9-11 y 12 casos esporádicos (9 mujeres y 5 varones). 2,4,5,10,[12][13][14] Con respecto a la HCA con neuropatía sensorial periférica, se han descrito 2 familias …”

“…9,14,15 La HCA no sindrómica fue descrita en una familia con 7 miembros afectados en 3 generaciones (4 H; 2 M) y se propuso una herencia autosómica dominante o dominante ligada al X.…”

A hair out of place in a 6‐year‐old boy

“…Anterior cervical hypertrichosis is an underreported form of localized hypertrichosis occurring over the laryngeal prominence. It is often noted in childhood between birth and early adolescence . The majority of reports describe congenital or sporadic onset, but it may occur after local trauma .…”

“…Five cases of ACH have been reported in the setting of consanguineous families, and nearly half of all reported cases have been sporadic. ACH has been reported more commonly in girls, but there is no clear sex predilection …”

Patch of hair in the hyoid region

“…Among the reported cases, there is a significant female predominance. For most of the affected patients, this anomaly represents only an aesthetic problem; however, in some cases ACH may be a part of a more complex disorder (22.5% of reported cases) 1. The most common associated disorders reported in the literature involve neurological abnormalities (mental retardation, peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy), ophthalmological disorders (optic atrophy and chorioretinal changes), hallux valgus and dorsal hypertrichosis 1 2…”