Asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanocytosis in patients with large congenital melanocytic nevi: a study of cases from an Internet-based registry.
BACKGROUND
Recent retrospective studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen for neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) among neurologically asymptomatic children with large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) report high prevalence (23-30%) of asymptomatic NCM. We sought to determine prevalence of asymptomatic NCM, and current application of MRI as a screening tool.


METHODS
Patients with LCMN from an Internet-based registry answered a questionnaire regarding NCM status.


RESULTS
Of 379 patients with LCMN, 26 reportedly had NCM, with 17 reporting neurologic symptoms. Of 186 patients undergoing MRI, 9 reported abnormal findings without neurologic symptoms (4.8%); 80% had LCMN on the posterior axis, whereas 55% had more than 20 satellite nevi.


CONCLUSIONS
Study data rely on the registry members' self-reported findings and are limited by lack of independent data verification.


CONCLUSIONS
Asymptomatic NCM (determined by MRI) may not be common, with much lower prevalence (4.8%) than previously reported. MRI is widely used for screening patients at risk for NCM, such as patients with LCMN involving the posterior axis and greater than 20 satellite nevi.
Agero
Anna Liza C
AL
Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10022, USA.
Benvenuto-Andrade
Cristiane
C
Dusza
Stephen W
SW
Halpern
Allan C
AC
Marghoob
Ashfaq A
AA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D020752:Neurocutaneous Syndromes / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000150:complications*; D012042:Registries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*