Halo nevus

Also known as: leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum, Sutton's nevus, perinevoid vitiligo, perinevoid leukoderma

Clinical Features:

  • Term for a melanocytic nevus that is surrounded by a halo of depigmentation that corresponds to a dense mononuclear infiltrate seen histologically
  • Any type of melanocytic nevus may develop this reaction.
  • Most common in patients younger than 20 years, with a predilection for the upper back
  • Associated with vitiligo and melanoma
  • Frequently completely regress
  • Often multiple
  • Presents as a central nevus with overlying scaling or crusting surrounded by a well-circumscribed ring of hypo- or depigmented skin

Histologic Features:

  • Junctional, compound or intradermal nevus surrounded and intimately associated with a dense infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes
  • The inflammatory infiltrate is often so dense that it largely obscures the nevus cells, making them difficult to appreciate on H&E.
  • Apoptotic nevus cells are often present near the dermal-epidermal junction, and scattered dermal cells with lesser degrees of damage may show eosinophilic cytoplasm and enlarged and even pleomorphic nuclei.
  • The peripheral aspect of the nevus, which corresponds clinically to the halo, shows decreased to absent balilar melanocytes and melanin.
0

Cases associated with this book:

  • 11-year-old girl with brown-tan papules on her back and chest
    Author: Artur Zembowicz M.D. Ph.D.
    Diagnosis: Halo nevi

    Conference: Dr. Z's Consultations
  • Halo nevus with regression
    Author: Artur Zembowicz M.D. Ph.D.
    Diagnosis: Halo nevus with regression

    Conference: Dr. Z's Consultations