In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of halo nevus

J Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Jan-Feb;17(1):33-8. doi: 10.2310/7750.2012.12019.

Abstract

Background: RCM (reflectance confocal microscopy) is a noninvasive, high-resolution technology that has been proven to improve the diagnostic accuracy over clinical examination in several skin diseases.

Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the morphologic features of halo nevi (HN) observed with RCM and correlate them with their dermoscopic characteristics.

Method: Nine patients with the clinical diagnosis of HN were assessed with RCM. A second assessment was performed up to 12 months later. Dermoscopic global patterns were obtained and correlated with the RCM findings.

Results: In five (55.6%) cases, pagetoid cells were observed. Nonedged dermal papilla and junctional thickening were found in three (33%) cases. Nucleated cells in the dermal papillae and plump bright cells were observed in seven (77.8%) and six (66.7%) cases, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study shows that HN observed by RCM can show atypical features that overlap with those observed on atypical melanocytic lesions and malignant melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Dermis / pathology
  • Dermoscopy*
  • Epidermis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Nevus, Halo / diagnosis*
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Young Adult