Angio-tropic melanocytes: Possibly a distinctive finding in extra-facial acquired dermal melanocytosis

Abstract

Background: Acquired dermal melanocytosis is a heterogenous group of hyperpigmented lesioins which predominantly involve the face. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the clinical presentation and histopathology of cases with extra-facial acquired dermal melanocytosis. Methods: Retrospective record analysis was performed between May 2016 to August 2019 to retrieve cases of extra-facial acquired dermal melanocytosis seen at the out-patient department of dermatology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur. Consecutive cases with histopathologically proven diagnosis of acquired dermal melanocytosis were included. Documentation of variation in clinical presentation and histopathologic findings was done in light of the existing literature. Results: Overall, four cases of extra-facial acquired dermal melanocyosis (female:male = 1:3) were seen during the study period. The lone case on head and neck involved the ear lobule and peri-auricular area. The other three cases had involvement of the hand. The histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of dermal melanocytosis but revealed peculiar findings of angiotropic melanocytes and dilated capillaries. Limitations: Small sample size and lack of comparison with perilesional normal skin were the limitations of this study. Conclusion: The findings of angiotropic melanocytes may be unique to extra-facial acquired dermal melanocytosis. This might indicate interaction between dermal melanocytes and capillary endothelial cells. This finding along with dermal capillary ectasia may indicate a possible role for vascular lasers in the management of these disorders.