Metameric pruritus as the sole manifestation of an intramedullary tumor in a toddler

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Jan-Feb;41(1):160-161. doi: 10.1111/pde.15450. Epub 2023 Oct 27.

Abstract

An 18-month-old child presented with persistent pruritus and excoriation involving the right T9 and T10 dermatomes. She did not exhibit any other dermatological or neurological anomalies. Based on magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the spine, T8 ganglioglioma was diagnosed and surgically removed resulting in resolution of the pruritus within a few days. This observation underlines the importance of neuroimaging in patients presenting with metameric pruritus without specific skin lesions, especially in young children.

Keywords: ganglioglioma; neuropathic itch; pruritus; spinal cord neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Ganglioglioma* / complications
  • Ganglioglioma* / diagnosis
  • Ganglioglioma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging