Neurocutaneous melanosis in children with giant congenital melanocytic nevi

Clin Imaging. 2014 Mar-Apr;38(2):79-84. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2013.10.001. Epub 2013 Oct 16.

Abstract

Twenty-four children with giant congenital melanocytic nevi underwent brain MRI at 1.5 T scanner. Melanin deposits in the brain were found in seven children (29.2%) located in temporal lobes, thalamus, cerebellum, and pons. One patient showed leptomeningeal involvement. Six patients were asymptomatic, and one had epilepsy. As opposed to previous reports, localization of skin nevi on anterior part of trunk was correlated to central nervous system involvement. In all patients with brain involvement skin nevi showed picture of compound nevus with neurofibromatic component.

Keywords: Central nervous system (CNS); Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN); Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM); Pathology.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epilepsy / complications
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Melanins / metabolism*
  • Melanosis / complications
  • Melanosis / pathology*
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / complications
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / complications
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Pons / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Temporal Lobe / metabolism
  • Thalamus / metabolism

Substances

  • Melanins

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurocutaneous melanosis