Ann Dermatol.  2008 Jun;20(2):94-97. 10.5021/ad.2008.20.2.94.

Three Cases of Concomitant Acanthosis Nigricans with Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis in Obese Patients

• Lee E
• Kang BS
• Cho SH
• Lee JD

• KMID: 2172093
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2008.20.2.94

Abstract

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by symmetric, velvety, gray-brown hypertrophied plaques most commonly on the axillae and neck. Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is manifested by papules in the mid-chest that coalesce in the midline, and are arranged in a reticulated pattern peripherally. Both diseases are known to be related to endocrinopathies such as diabetes mellitus (DM), an insulin resistant state and obesity with unknown mechanisms. Herein, we presented three cases of concomitant acanthosis nigricans with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis in obese patients.

Keyword

Acanthosis nigricans; Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis; Obesity

MeSH Terms

Acanthosis Nigricans
Axilla
Diabetes Mellitus
Humans
Insulin
Neck
Obesity
Papilloma
Insulin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A, C) Asymptomatic, symmetric, velvety, papillomatous, grayish plaques on both axillae and reticulated, hyperpigmented patches on the trunk in the Case 1 and Case 2 patients. (B) The skin lesions improved after treatment with systemic acitretin, 20 mg a day for 6 weeks in the Case 1 patient. (D) Asymptomatic, symmetric, reticulated, hyperpigmented patches on both popliteal area in the Case 2 patient. (E, F) Asymptomatic, reticulated, hyperpigmented patches on the abdomen in Case 3 patient.

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  Fig. 2 (A) A biopsy specimen obtained from the axilla showed hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, irregular acanthosis,and finger-like projections of the dermal papillae. (B) A skin biopsy from the abdomen showed mild hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis (A, B: Hematoxylin-eosin stain; original magnifications,×100). (C, D) The surface keratin layers were negative for fungal spores or hyphae on both specimens (C, D: Periodic Acid-Schiff stain; original magnifications,×100).

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