A newborn with neurocutaneous melanocytosis and Dandy-Walker malformation

Pediatr Neurol. 2014 Mar;50(3):276-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2013.04.006. Epub 2013 Dec 8.

Abstract

Background: Neurocutaneous melanocytosis is a rare congenital dysplasia of the neuroectodermal melanocyte precursor cells that leads to proliferation of melanin-producing cells in the skin and leptomeninges.

Patient: We describe a newborn with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus on his back, buttocks, and thighs. His brain magnetic resonance imaging study revealed bilateral T1 hyperintense lesions in the cerebellum and in the amygdala, hydrocephalus, and a Blake's pouch cyst, consistent with neurocutaneous melanocytosis and Dandy-Walker malformation.

Conclusion: Neurocutaneous melanocytosis has a wide clinical spectrum that includes hydrocephalus, epilepsy, cranial nerve palsy, increased intracranial pressure, and sensorimotor deficits.

Keywords: Dandy-Walker malformation; congenital nevi; melanocytosis; neurocutaneous syndromes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Back / pathology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Dandy-Walker Syndrome / complications*
  • Dandy-Walker Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Melanosis / complications*
  • Melanosis / pathology*
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / complications*
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / complications*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurocutaneous melanosis