A Laugier-Hunziker syndrome associated with esophageal melanocytosis

A 62-year-old Japanese woman came to our clinic because of melanotic macules on the lip, palatoglossal arch, lingual margin and palm. Endoscopic examination revealed a melanotic macule on the midesophageal mucosa but no polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract. Histologically, the specimens taken from the labial, esophageal and palmar lesions showed an acanthosis and basal hyperpigmentation in the epithelium. The patient had not taken any medication which could lead to pigmentation. As far as we know, this is the first case report of an esophageal melanocytic macule which occurred in a patient with Laugier-Hunziker syndrome. When confronted with an isolated pigment spot, we emphasize the necessity of systematic examinations for others. Because the pathologic relationship between Laugier-Hunziker syndrome and the esophageal melanocytic lesion is not proven, further studies should clarify this issue.