Korean J Dermatol.  2013 May;51(5):339-342.

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus with Asymptomatic Neurocutaneous Melanosis

• Hong SK
• Hwang S
• Kang MS
• Lee YS
• Seo JK
• Kim H
• Lee D
• Sung H

Abstract

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are benign pigmented lesions that are defined as a tissue malformation of the neuroectoderm. Giant melanocytic nevi with multifocal involvement show significantly greater risk of developing malignant melanomas and neurocutaneous melanocytosis, particularly those in a posterior axial location. Neurocutaneous melanosis is a rare, congenital, non-inherited disorder characterized by the presence of large, multiple congenital melanocytic nevi with proliferation of melanocytes in the central nervous system. Asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis can be detectable only by MRI. The patients who have clinical manifestations have an extremely poor prognosis. We present a patient with giant congenital melanocytic nevi involving a major portion of the back with multiple satellite nevi scattered over the whole body associated with asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis. We emphasize the importance of imaging study for detection of early neurological symptoms or melanomas. To our knowledge, this is the first case of giant congenital melanocytic nevi associated with asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis in Korean dermatologic literatures.

Keyword

Congenital melanocytic nevus; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neurocutaneous melanosis

MeSH Terms

Central Nervous System
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Melanocytes
Melanoma
Melanosis
Neural Plate
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Nevus
Nevus, Pigmented
Prognosis
Melanosis
Neurocutaneous Syndromes