Eruptive Melanocytic Nevi Induced by Interferon for Nodal Metastatic Melanoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: The rapid appearance of multiple new melanocytic nevi is known as eruptive nevi and has been well documented to occur with certain medications, in particular chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: We report a case of a woman with melanoma complicated by nodal metastasis who developed multiple melanocytic nevi while on high-dose interferon. Results: Serial photographs confirmed that the pigmented lesions were of new onset, whereas histology documented that the lesions were dysplastic nevi. A survey of the literature documented numerous causes of eruptive nevi, which we review. To date, interferon has not been linked to eruptive nevi. Conclusions: The phenomenon of eruptive nevi has been attributed to medications, bullous dermatoses, immunosuppression, and systemic conditions and is possibly a paraneoplastic disorder. Interferon appears to be another possible cause of this disorder.