Ann Dermatol.  2010 Nov;22(4):460-462. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.460.

An Unusual Case of Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis

• Lee S
• Kim DH
• Lee G
• Whang KU
• Lee JS
• Park YL

• KMID: 2266188
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.460

Abstract

Dermal melanocytosis is characterized by the presence of ectopic melanocytes in the dermis. The most common forms include the Mongolian spot, blue nevus, nevus of Ota, and nevus of Ito. Some types of dermal melanocytosis do not fit into any of these morphologic categories, however. Our case demonstrated an extensive amount of uniform deep blue patches of nevi with unilateral distribution on the left face, neck, chest, shoulder, and back. On histopathologic examination, a number of elongated melanocytes scattered throughout the dermis were found. We herein report a case of congenital unilateral dermal melanocytosis.

Keyword

Congenital unilateral dermal melanocytosis

MeSH Terms

Dermis
Melanocytes
Mongolian Spot
Neck
Nevus
Nevus of Ota
Nevus, Blue
Shoulder
Thorax

Figure

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  Fig. 1 An extensive amount of uniform deep blue patches were seen to cover the left unilateral side of the face, neck, chest, shoulder, and back.

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  Fig. 2 Melanocytes were numerous in the upper and middle dermis. Melanocytes were scattered among the collagen bundles, and some of these cells were aggregated around the blood vessels. Their elongated cytoplasms were loaded with fine melanin. Melanophages were not seen (H&E, ×40, inset ×400).

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