Dermoscopic features and follow‐up changes of acral melanocytic naevi in childhood and adolescence. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fargnoli, M.C.; Suppa, M.; Micantonio, T.; Antonini, A.; Tambone, S.; Peris, K.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 170:Number 2(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjd12667-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="bjd12667-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The dermoscopic features of acral acquired melanocytic naevi have been extensively reported in the adult population. Little knowledge is available on acral naevi in childhood and adolescence.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjd12667-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>Firstly, to characterize the frequency of dermoscopic features of acral naevi and their distribution according to age groups in children and adolescents; and secondly, to analyse the type and frequency of their dermoscopic changes over time.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjd12667-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A retrospective evaluation of baseline and follow‐up dermoscopic images of acral naevi in Italian patients aged 0–18 years was carried out.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjd12667-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Dermoscopic images of 75 acral naevi (39 in children and 36 in adolescents) in 69 patients were evaluated. The parallel furrow was the most common pattern (71%), followed by the crista dotted pattern (21%). A difference in the distribution of global patterns was observed between children and adolescents (<italic>P </italic>=<italic> </italic>0·02). Combination patterns were detected in 32% of lesions, with association of the crista dotted and parallel furrow patterns in 62% of these. Follow‐up images were available for 31/75 acral naevi (41%), with a median follow‐up period of 32 months (range 4–85). Morphological variations during follow‐up were identified in 61% of lesions. Global changes involved mainly naevi with a baseline parallel furrow pattern, after a follow‐up of > 30 months. A decrease of local criteria during follow‐up was observed in 48% of lesions.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjd12667-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Parallel furrow and crista dotted patterns, either alone or in combination, were the most common dermoscopic patterns. Morphological changes during follow‐up were frequent, involving mainly the parallel furrow pattern with a decrease of local criteria. Recognition of the dermoscopic features of acral naevi of children and adolescents is important to improve proper management and reduce the number of unnecessary excisions.</p> </sec> </abstract>