Metastatic melanoma to the gallbladder

Acquired disorders with depigmentation: A systematic approach to vitiliginoid conditions

Acquired disorders with depigmentation are commonly encountered by dermatologists and present with a wide differential diagnosis. Vitiligo, the most common disorder of acquired depigmentation, is characterized by well-defined depigmented macules and patches. Other conditions, such as chemical leukoderma, can present with similar findings, and are often easily mistaken for vitiligo. Key clinical features can help differentiate between acquired disorders of depigmentation. The first article in this continuing medical education series focuses on conditions with a vitiligo-like phenotype. Early recognition and adequate treatment of these conditions is critical in providing appropriate prognostication and treatment.

Metastatic Gallbladder Melanoma Presenting as Acute Emphysematous Cholecystitis

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor with a high potential for distant metastases, including spread to the gallbladder where it represents more than half of all metastases detected at autopsy. Yet, it is rarely symptomatic in life and is a rare cause of acute cholecystitis. Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare, potentially fatal variant of acute cholecystitis characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder lumen or wall. We report a 77-year-old woman with acute emphysematous cholecystitis as the initial feature of recurrent melanoma metastatic to the gallbladder. This exceptional association highlights the need to consider a relapse of malignancy when assessing unexplained abdominal symptoms in any patient with a prior history of melanoma.