BACKGROUNDThe dyschromatoses are a group of disorders characterized by simultaneous hyperpigmented macules together with hypopigmented macules. Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) and dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria are two major types. While clinical and histological presentations are similar in these two diseases, genetic diagnosis is critical in the differential diagnosis of these entities.

METHODSThree patients initially diagnosed with DUH were included. The gene test was carried out by targeted gene sequencing. All mutations detected on ADAR1 and ABCB6 genes were analyzed according to the frequency in control database, the mutation types, and the published evidence to determine the pathogenicity.

RESULTSFamily pedigree and clinical presentations were reported in 3 patients from two Chinese families. All patients have prominent cutaneous dyschromatoses involving the whole body without systemic complications. Different pathogenic genes in these patients with similar phenotype were identified: One novel mutation on ADAR1 (c. 1325C>G) and one recurrent mutation in ABCB6 (c. 1270T>C), which successfully distinguished two diseases with the similar phenotype.

CONCLUSIONTargeted gene sequencing is an effective tool for genetic diagnosis in pigmentary skin diseases.