Pigment Loss in Patients with Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Various Clinical Presentations Documented in a Large Series.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

The association between vitiligo and congenital melanocytic nevi remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of depigmentation, including vitiligo, in patients with a large congenital melanocytic nevus (LCMN), which is a rare melanocytic tumor variant.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the files of 92 patients with an LCMN, including photographic documentation regarding the presence of pigment loss on the nevus mass, around the nevus, around the satellites, and elsewhere on the body.

RESULTS

Depigmentation was observed in 8 (8.7%) of 92 patients with an LCMN. Depigmented areas within the main nevus mass were observed in six patients, and adjacent or remote vitiligo was observed in four patients. One patient also demonstrated halo depigmentation around some satellite nevi.

CONCLUSION

The coexistence of an LCMN with vitiligo does not appear to be rare and may occur with a spectrum of clinical presentations.