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.

Cases associated with this book:

Halo nevus with regression
Author: Artur Zembowicz M.D. Ph.D.

Conference: Dr. Z's Consultations

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

Conference: Dr. Z's Consultations