Leptomeningeal malignant melanoma arising in neurocutaneous melanocytosis: a case report

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 1997 Dec;60(6):316-20.

Abstract

A rare case of histology-proved giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) with symptomatic leptomeningeal melanocytosis is reported. A 26-year-old man had had a large patch of pigmented nevus over his back and left arm since birth. He had begun to have seizures as well as symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure about six months before admission. Serial computed tomography of brain showed hydrocephalus, diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement and multiple well-enhanced, rapid-growing nodules on the surface of the cerebellum and left parietal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed T1 shortening of leptomeninges on precontrast T1 weighted imaging. Skin biopsy was done twice and showed intradermal nevus. Biopsy on one of the intracranial nodules revealed malignant melanoma arising in the melanocytosis. He died one year after the onset of neurologic symptoms. For early diagnosis of neurocutaneous melanocytosis, we suggest 1) MRI, and 2) leptomeningeal biopsy in patients with suspected leptomeningeal malignant melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed