Objective: Although segmented heterochromia of scalp (SHS) is very related to low serum iron level, there was reported the case not associated with serum iron. We experienced two cases of SHS with normal serum iron which is very rare. So, we try to find the correlation between serum iron level and hair iron level in this normal serum iron SHS through the hair mineral analysis and blood test in the SHS.
Method: We performed the skin biopsy, blood test including serum iron, urine test, and hair mineral analysis of two patients with SHS. Hair mineral analysis is qualitative and quantitative test about trace elements of tissue using a mass spectrometer after soft washing.
Result: Investigations, including full blood cell count differential, biochemical profile, serum iron, copper, magnesium and urine analysis were normal or negative. At hair mineral analysis, one patient showed decrease of the iron otherwise the other showed within normal limits.
Discussion: SHS is a pigmentary disorder characterized by alternating dark and light segments on each hair shaft and very associated with iron deficiency anemia. Although SHS with normal serum iron level was reported, SHS is still very related to the low iron level of body in that one patient showed low level of hair iron in our two cases of SHS with normal serum iron level. It is important to evaluate the mineral status of the body and hair in the hair disorder because hair disorder like hair loss or hair color change may be originated from the mineral imbalance of the body. So, we think that hair mineral analysis could be a partially helpful diagnostic tool for the various hair disorders including SHS.