Asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanocytosis in patients with large congenital melanocytic nevi: a study of cases from an Internet-based registry. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Recent retrospective studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen for neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) among neurologically asymptomatic children with large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) report high prevalence (23-30%) of asymptomatic NCM. We sought to determine prevalence of asymptomatic NCM, and current application of MRI as a screening tool. METHODS: Patients with LCMN from an Internet-based registry answered a questionnaire regarding NCM status. RESULTS: Of 379 patients with LCMN, 26 reportedly had NCM, with 17 reporting neurologic symptoms. Of 186 patients undergoing MRI, 9 reported abnormal findings without neurologic symptoms (4.8%); 80% had LCMN on the posterior axis, whereas 55% had more than 20 satellite nevi. LIMITATIONS: Study data rely on the registry members' self-reported findings and are limited by lack of independent data verification. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic NCM (determined by MRI) may not be common, with much lower prevalence (4.8%) than previously reported. MRI is widely used for screening patients at risk for NCM, such as patients with LCMN involving the posterior axis and greater than 20 satellite nevi.

publication date

  • October 7, 2005

Research

keywords

  • Melanosis
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes
  • Nevus, Pigmented
  • Skin Neoplasms

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 27944453964

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.07.046

PubMed ID

  • 16310055

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 53

issue

  • 6