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. LIMITATIONS: Study data rely on the registry members' self-reported findings and are limited by lack of independent data verification. CONCLUSION: 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.
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. LIMITATIONS: Study data rely on the registry members' self-reported findings and are limited by lack of independent data verification. CONCLUSION: 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.
Authors: Yibing Ruan; Anna Kovalchuk; Aarthi Jayanthan; Xueqing Lun; Yoji Nagashima; Olga Kovalchuk; James R Wright; Alfredo Pinto; Adam Kirton; Ronald Anderson; Aru Narendran Journal: Neuro Oncol Date: 2014-11-12 Impact factor: 12.300
Authors: Martino Ruggieri; Agata Polizzi; Stefano Catanzaro; Manuela Lo Bianco; Andrea D Praticò; Concezio Di Rocco Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2020-10-13 Impact factor: 1.475
Authors: Veronica A Kinsler; Anna C Thomas; Miho Ishida; Neil W Bulstrode; Sam Loughlin; Sandra Hing; Jane Chalker; Kathryn McKenzie; Sayeda Abu-Amero; Olga Slater; Estelle Chanudet; Rodger Palmer; Deborah Morrogh; Philip Stanier; Eugene Healy; Neil J Sebire; Gudrun E Moore Journal: J Invest Dermatol Date: 2013-02-07 Impact factor: 8.551