Dermatology · Pigmentary Disorders (Vitiligo, Melasma)

A 9-year-old boy presents with a solitary pigmented naevus on his back surrounded by a symmetric rim of depigmentation that appeared over the last 8 months. His father has vitiligo. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

  • A Meyerson's naevus
  • B Sutton's naevus (halo naevus)
  • C Spitz naevus
  • D Naevus depigmentosus
Correct answer: B. Sutton's naevus (halo naevus)

Explanation

B central melanocytic naevus encircled by a band of depigmentation is a Sutton's naevus or halo naevus. It results from a cell-mediated immune response against naevus cells, shares antigens with melanocytes, and is strongly associated with vitiligo, especially when there is a family history. Meyerson's naevus shows an eczematous halo rather than depigmentation, and naevus depigmentosus is congenital without a central naevus.

Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.

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