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Congenital curvilinear palpable hyperpigmentation

Y Isabel Zhu1, James E Fitzpatrick, William L Weston

  • 1isabel.zhu@uchsc.edu

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Two infant boys presented with rare congenital hyperpigmentation on their legs, mimicking abuse. These lesions may indicate potential neurologic and developmental issues.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Congenital hyperpigmentation in infants can present diagnostic challenges.
  • Distinguishing between congenital lesions and signs of abuse is critical in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • Two male infants presented with bilateral, posterior leg hyperpigmentation appearing shortly after birth.
  • The curvilinear, palpable lesions initially mimicked child abuse (looped cord) or postinflammatory changes.

Findings:

  • Histopathology revealed lentiginous melanocytic hyperplasia.
  • One infant exhibited severe global developmental delay and abnormal brain MRI findings.

Implications:

  • These cases describe a novel form of congenital hyperpigmentation, termed "congenital curvilinear palpable hyperpigmentation."
  • The association with neurologic and developmental abnormalities suggests these lesions may serve as markers for underlying systemic issues, despite not following Blaschko lines.

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