Acanthosis Nigricans during an HAIR-AN syndrome: "The Tree That Hides the Forest"

Abstract

Introduction: Acanthosis nigricans is broadly classified into malignant and benign forms. Recent attention has been directed toward its benign endocrine associations. Acanthosis nigricans is a significant marker for insulin resistance.Observation: A 20-years-old girl has consulted for macular, hyperpigmented, papillomatic lesions which were on the neck with overflows on the mandibular areas and the ears, in the vertebral groove, the armpits, and the umbilicus. These lesions were associated with a clinical syndrome of hyperandrogenism. The blood sample showed hyperglycemia at 1.3 g/dl, hyperprogesteronemia at 0.63 ng/mL, hypertestosteronemia at 0.87 ng/mL and hypercholesterolemia at 2.63 g/L. Ultrasound of the uterus showed polycystic ovaries. The diagnosis of HAIR-AN syndrome was concluded and the patient was treated.Conclusion: HAIR-AN syndrome is a rare condition which is characterized by an unusual multisystem disorder in women.