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CDR Bernett L. Johnson, MC; LCDR Dale R. Charneco, MC

Arch Dermatol. 1970;102(4):442-446.

Abstract
Melanocyte counts of the café au lait spots of patients without neurofibromatosis and patients with neurofibromatosis are reported. The café au lait spots of patients with neurofibromatosis contain more DOPA-positive melanocytes per square millimeter than does their surrounding skin. The melanocytes are grossly normal but do contain giant pigment granules. Café au lait spots in the patients without neurofibromatosis contained fewer DOPA-positive melanocytes per square millimeter than did the surrounding skin. Giant pigment granules were not found in any of the specimens studied. The finding of giant granules and an increased number of melanocytes in café au lait spots is an invaluable aid in establishing the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis when only pigmented macules are present.

Author Affiliations
USN; USN; Philadelphia

From the Department of Dermatology, US Naval Hospital, Philadelphia. Dr. Charneco is currently at the Department of Dermatology, US Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication April 14, 1970.

The opinions expressed in this paper represent those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the US Navy.

Read before the annual meeting of the American Society of Dermatopathology, Miami, Fla, Dec 5, 1969.

Reprint requests to US Naval Hospital, Philadelphia 19145 (Dr. Johnson).

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