Abstract
Neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) is a rare disease characterized by excessive proliferation and deposition of melanocytes in the leptomeninges and brain parenchyma, occurring in children with large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN). Manifestations of NCM range from asymptomatic CNS melanin deposition to cranial neuropathies, seizures, and hydrocephalus. Patients with NCM are at risk for malignant melanoma. We conducted a retrospective, single-institution study of patients with LCMN evaluated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from June 2000 to January 2020. Of 55 patients studied, 15 had no radiographic NCM, and 40 had radiographic NCM at initial evaluation. MRI findings included: focal melanocytosis (33), diffuse leptomeningeal disease (4), solid melanoma (3). Malformations were identified in 13, including arachnoid cyst (4), congenital hydrocephalus (4), Dandy-Walker malformation (3), and tethered cord (1). Twenty-one patients completed imaging once and were followed clinically. Seventeen with serial imaging (10 with focal melanocytosis, 7 with normal MRI) remained stable over a median 24-month follow up (range: 1–124). Six had suspected radiographic progression of NCM without melanoma. Malignant melanoma developed in 11 patients, 5 with focal melanocytosis on initial imaging. Median time from focal melanocytosis identification to melanoma diagnosis was 80 months (range: 18–200). Median age at melanoma diagnosis was 9.9 years (range: 1.1–25.3). Median survival from melanoma diagnosis was 9.1 months (range: 1–60.4). Focal NCM on neuroaxis imaging does not predict time to transformation to malignant melanoma. Serial imaging is not indicated in absence of disease-modifying treatment. Clinical follow up of at-risk individuals is essential in early identification of complications.
RARE-24. LARGE CONGENITAL MELANOCYTIC NEVI AND NEUROCUTANEOUS MELANOCYTOSIS: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES
