Lesion- and Patient-Related Variables May Provide Additional Clues during Dermoscopic Assessment of Blue Nevi—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the correlation between lesion- and patient-related variables and the dermoscopic features of blue nevi. The aim of the study was dermoscopic analysis of blue nevi in association with patient- and lesion-related variables, with a special interest in structures whose prevalence has not been previously reported. Methods: This was a double-center, retrospective study, which included the analysis of histopathologically confirmed blue nevi (n = 93). Results: There was no difference in the frequency of the observed dermoscopic features according to patients’ gender and age. Pink structureless areas were more common in patients with I/II Fitzpatrick skin phototypes as well as in the patients with photodamaged skin, while blue prominent skin markings over brownish/blue-gray background occurred exclusively in patients with phototype III. Structures of previously unreported prevalence in blue nevi were skin-colored circles (present in 32.3%), gray circles (2.2%), follicular ostia with no pigmentation (18.4%; present exclusively on the face), blue skin markings over brownish background (present in 18.2%; detected only on the limbs) and dark brown polygons (one lesion located on the lower extremity). Conclusion: Dermoscopic presentation of blue nevi may vary according to the patient’s phototype and lesion size/localization rather than gender and age.