Generalized dermal melanocytosis

Abstract

A female infant was born with generalized blue-gray discoloration of the skin. Light microscopy demonstrated the diffuse distribution of dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive, dermal melanocytes. Electron microscopy confirmed the identification of the pigment-bearing cells as melanocytes and demonstrated individual melanocytes to be invested with a filamentous extracellular sheath. To our knowledge, comparable, generalized, dermal melanocytosis has not previously been reported in a newborn.

The spectrum of benign dermal dendritic melanocytic proliferations

“…2 They are grouped based on their anatomical location, as mentioned above, and also due to their tendency to fade or persist into adulthood (Table 4). 2,13,[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58] These lesions are usually asymptomatic but may rarely be associated with sensory changes in the involved skin. 59…”

“…107 Four possible theories have been proposed about ADM's pathogenesis: migration of melanocytes from hair bulb to dermis, descendance of melanocytes from epidermis, reactivation of pre-existing dormant dermal melanocytes or secondary development of DM caused by dermal inflammation. 92 It is assumed that dermal melanocytes which are present since birth 108 are either activated by various triggering factors such as pregnancy, 92 trauma, 97 previous inflammatory dermatoses, 98,109 hormonal treatment 104 and PUVA therapy 107 or Table 4 Epidemiological, clinical and histological features of main patchy dermal melanocytoses 2,13,[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58] Mongolian spot 13,[52][53][54][55][56] Naevus of Ota 2,51,54,57,58 Naevus of Ito 2,54 Epidemiology Asian, African American and Native American population Benign dermal dendritic melanocytic proliferations show a gradual increase in melanin synthesis by increasing age without a known aetiology. 108 Large plaque-type blue naevus with subcutaneous cellular nodules (LPTBN-SN)…”

Revisiting the history of the “Mongolian spot”: The background and implications of a medical term used today

“…In 1950, Dr. Douglas Perry argued that "Mongolian spot" should be called "congenital blue spot" because it was not limited to East Asians. 6 In 1981, the term "dermal melanocytosis" was used to describe skin lesions formed by melanocytes in the dermis, 19,20 dermal melanosis. 21 While the authors still used "Mongolian spots" as the medical term for these lesions, they paved the way for a more scientific and descriptive term for this birthmark.…”

Extensive Aberrant Mongolian Spot

“…In 1981, Bashiti et al (3). described a female patient who was born with generalized blue-Park et aI gray pigmentation of the skin involving the trunk and extremities.…”

“…There are several morphologic forms including blue nevus, the Mongolian spot, the nevus of Ota, the nevus of Ito, and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. However, widespread to universal dermal melanocytic disorder is exceedingly rare (3,4).…”