Características de nevos melanocíticos congénitos gigantes: presentación de 8 casos

Abstract

IntroductionGiant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are benign proliferations of melanocytes present at birth or until the first 2-3 years of life. They could measure at least 20cm in their largest diameter in adulthood. Although rare they do affect the quality of life, as well as being associated with melanoma and neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM), for which certain clinical features are risk markers. MethodologyAn observational retrospective study was performed using the clinical records and photographic files of the GCMN diagnosed from November 2009 to March 2018 in the Paediatric Dermatology Unit of the Pereira Rossell Hospital in Montevideo-Uruguay. Using the information gathered, a descriptive analysis was performed on the clinical features and their association with melanoma and NCM. ResultsOut of the 8 GCMN diagnosed (5 boys), 5 were located on the back, 2 in the extremities, and 1 in head/neck region. Five showed satellite nevi, 7 with roughness and hair, 4 with colour heterogeneity, and 2 developed proliferative nodules. Five patients were evaluated with brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging, and 3 with transfontanelle and spinal ultrasound. One showed NCM compatible findings. None showed neurological symptoms, and none of them had developed melanoma. ConclusionsIn a period of 8.3 years, 8 GCMN were diagnosed, mainly in boys, and on the back. Most of them showed hypertrichosis, roughness, and satellite nevi. The largest 2GCMN were located in the posterior midline, and showed nodules and> 20 satellite nevi. These have been associated with a greater risk of NCM, but were present in only one of these patients.