The Pseudoinflammatory Pattern Revisited

In 1973, Dr. Martin C. Mihm, Jr. presented the finding that congenital melanocytic nevi, when viewed at low magnification, resemble superficial and deep perivascular dermatitis, forming the so-called "pseudoinflammatory" pattern. One year earlier, Dr. Richard A. Sagebiel had put forward the concept of "pseudovascular spaces" in melanocytic nevi. A retrospective look at these early studies confirms that alert observation at the microscope can lead to a deeper understanding of the fundamental biology underlying melanocytic tumors.