The diagnostic value of café-au-lait macules

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):877-90; quiz 891-2. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70075-7.

Abstract

Single café-au-lait macules (CALMs) are common in the pediatric population and in most children represent a normal finding. It is important to recognize whether the presence of multiple CALMs in a particular patient is normal or indicates an association with a multisystem disorder. This article addresses issues concerning the prevalence, genetics, and natural history of CALMs in the general population and reviews disorders in which CALMs are present as a characteristic trait.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cafe-au-Lait Spots* / complications
  • Cafe-au-Lait Spots* / diagnosis
  • Cafe-au-Lait Spots* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Syndrome