Promising therapy for congenital giant pigmented nevi using acellular autograft nevi-dermal matrix.

Abstract

As promising new therapy for congenital giant pigmented nevi, the authors investigated the potential use of an acellular autograft nevi-dermal matrix in combination with a split-thickness skin graft. To address whether the processed acellular nevi-dermal matrix from frozen skin could be reconstituted as a viable dermal base, the authors grafted it onto full-thickness skin defects in nude rats. Fibroblast infiltration and neovascularization into the acellular nevi-dermal matrix were observed. However, because the disappearance of the residual melanotic granules of the grafted dermis took 16 weeks, the authors excised with scissors the superficial layer of the acellular nevi-dermal matrix containing a large quantity of melanin. The appearance after using this method was relatively superior even compared with the full-thickness skin graft. The success of their experimental animal model using the acellular nevi-dermal matrix covered with split-thickness skin grafts confirms the potential value for the clinical application of this treatment for congenital giant nevi.