Background. A kindred affected by multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A), associated with symmetric, bilateral, scapular pruritic skin lesions (PSL), is reported.
Methods. There were 21 members, including the propositus, in four generations. Screening of 10 family members showed a palpable thyroid tumor in 1 and positive results for a pentagastrin test in 7 others. Two of these patients had surgically confirmed pheochromocytoma. Two others had a biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma but did not have surgery.
Results. Medullary thyroid carcinoma was confirmed in five patients and nodular C-cell hyperplasia in another. In five affected adults, PSL were observed in the interscapular region, crossing the midline in some. These lesions were characterized by hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation. In all the patients, the pruritus had been present long before the clinical or biochemical diagnosis. Skin biopsies were performed in two of these patients. No amyloid deposits were found (Congo red stain and electron microscopic examination were used). Two children (14 and 6 years old) in the fourth generation complained of scapular pruritus, although skin lesions were not apparent.
Conclusions. Localized PSL must be sought when screening for MEN 2A. Cancer