Inherited Patterned Lentiginosis in Blacks

We present 10 patients with autosomal dominant transmission of a pigmentary pattern characterized by facial, lip, extremity, buttock, and palmoplantar small, discrete hyperpigmented macules. None of the patients had lesions of the oral mucosa or internal organ system abnormalities. These patients' pigmentary pattern can resemble the ones seen in other lentiginosis syndromes. Those most closely mimicked--the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, the centrofacial lentiginosis syndrome, and Carney's syndrome--all have associated internal abnormalities. We believe the pattern of pigmentation in these 10 black patients is distinct.