PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL MELANOCYTIC NEVUS SYNDROME: AN IMAGING AND DERMATOLOGIC SCOPING REVIEW
Keywords:
Nevus, Pigmented. Melanosis. Prenatal Diagnosis. Ultrasonography, Prenatal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Dermatology. Infant, NewbornAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18.0400
Abstract
Introduction: congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome comprises congenital melanocytic nevi with extracutaneous involvement, especially of the central nervous system, and prenatal suspicion is exceptional. Objective: to map the evidence on prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging signs, correlate them with neonatal dermatologic expression, and propose a practical approach for fetal medicine, radiology, pediatrics, and dermatology. Methodology: a scoping review of indexed biomedical literature and citation searching was performed, prioritizing reports with prenatal imaging, postnatal neuroimaging, cutaneous manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and follow-up recommendations. Results: prenatal evidence was concentrated in case reports and showed three patterns: posterior fossa cyst, cerebellar or amygdaloid hyperechogenicity, and fetal magnetic resonance signal shortening compatible with melanin deposits. Early postnatal magnetic resonance imaging allowed characterization of leptomeningeal or intraparenchymal melanosis before myelination reduced diagnostic sensitivity. Discussion: validated prenatal criteria do not exist; therefore, the diagnosis should be considered as a differential suspicion when persistent posterior fossa or temporal brain findings are present, particularly if fetal skin lesions or high neonatal risk are identified. Conclusions: integration of ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging, neonatal dermatologic examination, and early brain or spine magnetic resonance imaging is the most reasonable diagnostic pathway, although multicenter registries are needed to define sensitivity, specificity, and follow-up.
Keywords: Nevus, Pigmented. Melanosis. Prenatal Diagnosis. Ultrasonography, Prenatal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Dermatology. Infant, Newborn.
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