TY - JOUR
T1 - Seasonal prevalence of digital epiluminescence microscopy patterns in acquired melanocytic nevi
AU - Stanganelli, Ignazio
AU - Rafanelli, Silvia
AU - Bucchi, Lauro
PY - 1996/3
Y1 - 1996/3
N2 - Background: Available information on the effect of sun exposure on the biologic activity and morphologic characteristics of nevi is based on a few cross-sectional studies. According to these, nevi excised in summer show a higher mitotic count, a greater extent of the junctional component, and more frequent regression and inflammation. Objective: Our goals were to obtain data on the seasonal prevalence of digital epiluminescence microscopy (D- ELM) patterns in acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and to test the reliability of D-ELM as a substitute for histology in prospective studies of the morphologic response of AMN to sun exposure. Methods: Two independent series of AMN located on intermittently sun-exposed body sites and undergoing D-ELM in winter (n = 121) and in summer (n = 116) were compared for the prevalence of major ELM patterns. Results: Cases in the summer series showed a greater frequency of a broad and prominent pigment network; black dots with varied size, irregular distribution, and peripheral location; and peripheral depigmentation. Conclusion: On the basis of known histologic correlates of D- ELM features, our findings were consistent with studies of seasonal histologic changes in AMN. D-ELM may be a useful tool in the prospective evaluation of effects of sun exposure on AMN morphology.
AB - Background: Available information on the effect of sun exposure on the biologic activity and morphologic characteristics of nevi is based on a few cross-sectional studies. According to these, nevi excised in summer show a higher mitotic count, a greater extent of the junctional component, and more frequent regression and inflammation. Objective: Our goals were to obtain data on the seasonal prevalence of digital epiluminescence microscopy (D- ELM) patterns in acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and to test the reliability of D-ELM as a substitute for histology in prospective studies of the morphologic response of AMN to sun exposure. Methods: Two independent series of AMN located on intermittently sun-exposed body sites and undergoing D-ELM in winter (n = 121) and in summer (n = 116) were compared for the prevalence of major ELM patterns. Results: Cases in the summer series showed a greater frequency of a broad and prominent pigment network; black dots with varied size, irregular distribution, and peripheral location; and peripheral depigmentation. Conclusion: On the basis of known histologic correlates of D- ELM features, our findings were consistent with studies of seasonal histologic changes in AMN. D-ELM may be a useful tool in the prospective evaluation of effects of sun exposure on AMN morphology.
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U2 - 10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90440-5
DO - 10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90440-5
M3 - Article
C2 - 8609260
AN - SCOPUS:0029863387
VL - 34
SP - 460
EP - 464
JO - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
JF - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
SN - 0190-9622
IS - 3
ER -