Meryem Soughi, Oumaima Bouraqqadi, Zakia Douhi, Sara Elloudi, Hanane Baybay, Fatimazahra Mernissi
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Palmoplantar nevi (PPN) are common and sometimes difficult to diagnose because
of their unusual clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features, often mistaken for acral lentiginous
melanoma.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the different dermoscopic patterns of palmoplantar nevi
and their correlation with age and location.
Methods: This was a retrospective-prospective cohort study of a sample of the Moroccan population
collected over 2 years. The diagnosis was based mainly on clinical and dermoscopic evaluation, and a
biopsy performed in a single patient.
Results: A total of 140 patients with 144 PPNs were included in this study. PPNs were more frequently
located on the palms (64%) than on the soles (36%). The parallel furrow pattern (PFP) was the most
frequent in 44% of patients, followed by the lattice pattern (17,4%), then the homogeneous pattern
(16.7%), the fibrillar pattern (10,4%), the compound pattern (7%), the globular pattern (2 %), the
dotted pattern (2 %), and finally, the atypical pattern (0.7%). We found a correlation between fibrillar
and globular patterns with younger patients (P <0.05) lattice pattern with pressure-free regions such
as the arch and palmar region. In contrast, the fibrillar pattern was associated with heels and PFP with
digital location.
Conclusion: Recognition of these patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary
excisions.
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