Reflectance confocal microscopy in paediatric patients: Applications and limits

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool extensively studied for adult patients. In this retrospective case series conducted at the Dermatology Unit of the University of Campania, Naples, Italy, all patients under 19 years old who were submitted to RCM from January 2011 to December 2021 where evaluated. The aim of the study was to review the most usual indications and possible benefits that it might add for children. Data collection included 215 patients (86 males and 129 females, mean age: 12). Most of the exams (n = 85; 39.5%) were performed for lesions clinically compatible with Spitz nevi, congenital nevi (n = 50 23,2%) and atypical melanocytic lesions (n = 46; 21%) among which two melanomas were detected. RCM can be an useful instrument when evaluating paediatric patients and may help avoid unnecessary biopsy in most cases, representing an additional instrument to improve diagnostic accuracy.