Rs3213758 in the RPGRIPIL Gene Associated with Susceptibility to Segmental Vitiligo in a Chinese Han Population

To the Editor:Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigrnentation disorder of the skin resulting from selective destruction of melanocytes.Although it is not a life-threatening disease,it may lead to disfigurement and is associated with many other autoimmune diseases.According to a recent international consensus conference,vitiIigo can be cIassified into two major forms: nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV)and segmental vitiligo (SV,accounts for 5-16% of all vitiligo cases).NSV typically evolves over time, in both distribution and extension patterns,including acrofacial, generalized,mucosal,and facial vitiligo [Figure 1a and 1b].SV is relatively rare and is characterized by unilateral or banded distribution along the ganglion segment.SV usually has an early onset and spreads rapidly in the affected dermatomal area,including single SV,double SV,and the multi-SV [Figure 1c and 1d].