[Neurocutaneous melanosis. Case report and literature review]

Abstract

Neurocutaneous melanosis is characterized by an increased number of melanocytes and melanin deposit in central nervous system associated with giant melanocytic congenital nevi. Patients with multiple satellite nevi or giant cutaneous melanocytic nevus in a midline location (overlying the back, neck or head) have more likelihood of having neurocutaneous melanosis. In most patients, the neurocutaneous melanosis is asymptomatic, only detectable by MRI; nevertheless, those patients with clinical manifestations have a poor prognosis, dying within 3 years of initial neurological manifestations. We present a patient with giant melanocytic congenital nevi and multiple satellite nevi associated with asymptomatic neurocutaneous melanosis. We emphazise the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation in order to detect early neurological symptoms and/or melanoma.