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Pollock S, Swamy MR, Tremblay ES, Shen L. Acanthosis nigricans in the pediatric population: a narrative review of the current approach to management in primary care. PEDIATRIC MEDICINE (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2022; 5:42. [PMID: 36420374 PMCID: PMC9678372 DOI: 10.21037/pm-21-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective This narrative review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current literature of acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the pediatric and adolescent population, including best practices for identifying the condition, with a focus on the recommended management in the primary care setting to enable early and enhanced intervention. Background AN is frequently seen in obese and overweight children and adolescents. Current research suggests an association with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, and often primary care physicians are the first point of contact for individuals with this dermatologic condition. However, identifying the condition at an early stage may be difficult. Methods We identified case and cross-sectional studies, clinical trials, and literature reviews of pediatric AN for ages 0 to 18 years in the United States and internationally. We considered publications for background from before the year 2000 and publications for approach to management from after the year 2000. Conclusions AN in the pediatric population can be a harbinger for underlying metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. A thorough investigation and appropriate screening of children at risk, with a focus on early identification of the dermatologic condition and its associated comorbidities in the primary care setting, and early treatment is recommended to prevent long term consequences and decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Pollock
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Leung AKC, Lam JM, Barankin B, Leong KF, Hon KL. Acanthosis Nigricans: An Updated Review. Curr Pediatr Rev 2022; 19:68-82. [PMID: 36698243 DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220429085231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early recognition of acanthosis nigricans is important because acanthosis nigricans can be a cutaneous manifestation of a variety of systemic disorders and, rarely, as a sign of internal malignancy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to familiarize pediatricians with the clinical manifestations, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of acanthosis nigricans. METHODS A search was conducted in November 2021in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key term "acanthosis nigricans". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by symmetric, hyperpigmented, and velvety plaques with ill-defined borders, typically involving intertriginous areas. Obesity is the most common cause of acanthosis nigricans which is increasingly observed in obese children and adolescents and can serve as a cutaneous marker of insulin resistance. Early recognition of acanthosis nigricans is important because acanthosis nigricans can also be a cutaneous manifestation of a variety of systemic disorders and, rarely, as a sign of internal malignancy. This may consist of weight reduction, discontinuation of causative drugs, treatment of underlying endocrinopathy, or treatment of an underlying malignancy. For patients with isolated acanthosis nigricans and for those whose underlying cause is not amenable to treatment, treatment of the lesion may be considered for cosmetic reasons. Topical retinoids, vitamin D analogs, chemical peels, and other keratolytics are often used for the treatment of localized lesions. Seldom, systemic therapy such as oral retinoids may be considered for extensive or generalized acanthosis nigricans and acanthosis nigricans unresponsive to topical therapy. Other uncommon treatment modalities include dermabrasion, laser therapy, and surgical removal. CONCLUSION Although acanthosis nigricans is treatable, a complete cure is difficult to achieve. The underlying cause should be treated, if possible, to resolve and prevent the recurrence of acanthosis nigricans. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the characteristic appearance (symmetrically distributed, hyperpigmented, velvety, papillomatous, hyperkeratotic plaques with ill-defined borders) and the typical sites (intertriginous areas, flexural area, and skin folds) of the lesions. The diagnosis might be difficult for lesions that have atypical morphology or are in an unusual location. Clinicians should be familiar with the clinical signs, evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy of acanthosis nigricans because of the link between it and underlying diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K C Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph M Lam
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Kin Fon Leong
- Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kam Lun Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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Popa ML, Popa AC, Tanase C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA. Acanthosis nigricans: To be or not to be afraid. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4133-4138. [PMID: 30944606 PMCID: PMC6444334 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthosis nigricans (AN), a skin disorder with high prevalence, represents a dermatological condition with esthetic implications, but otherwise mild symptoms. For any clinician, it is in fact the tip of the iceberg, leading him/her to investigate what lies beneath the surface, since AN points to a systemic problem or disease: metabolic disorder (most frequently), endocrine syndrome, medication side effects, malignancy, and genetic factors. Sometimes, it is the first observed sign of a malignancy or of diabetes mellitus, especially in patients with chronic metabolic disorder; therefore, it is not to be taken lightly. The present review summarizes the information in literature regarding the etiopathogenesis of AN. We propose a new classification that aims to better organize the different types of AN, with implications on the extent and urgency of the investigation plan, as well as various therapeutic algorithms. Therapy options are also presented, both systemic treatments that target the underlying disease, and local ones for esthetic reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Linda Popa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry-Proteomics, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cristiana Tanase
- Department of Biochemistry-Proteomics, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta-Augustina Gheorghisan-Galateanu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- ‘C.I. Parhon’ National Institute of Endocrinology, 001863 Bucharest, Romania
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Danesh MJ, Saylor DK, Leard LE, North JP, Fox LP. Acquired acanthosis nigricans with tripe palms in a patient with interstitial lung disease. JAAD Case Rep 2016; 2:59-62. [PMID: 27051830 PMCID: PMC4809450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Danesh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Drew K Saylor
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lorriana E Leard
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jeffrey P North
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lindy P Fox
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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5
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Abstract
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatosis characterized by velvety, papillomatous, brownish-black, hyperkeratotic plaques, typically on the intertriginous surfaces and neck. The majority (80%) of AN occurs idiopathically or in benign conditions such as endocrinopathies like diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome; metabolic syndrome and/or heritable disease. Malignancy-associated AN is rare. AN may rarely be associated with autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, due to antibodies to the insulin receptor, so-called type B insulin resistance. Here we report a case of AN in a case of diffuse progressive systemic sclerosis without evidence of insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra M Kura
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Grant Government Medical College and Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swapnil A Sanghavi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Grant Government Medical College and Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Kutlubay Z, Engin B, Bairamov O, Tüzün Y. Acanthosis nigricans: A fold (intertriginous) dermatosis. Clin Dermatol 2015; 33:466-70. [PMID: 26051063 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a mucocutaneous disorder that is characterized by focal or diffuse hyperkeratotic, surfaces, which are symmetrically distributed hyperpigmented lesions of the skin. It rarely affects mucosal surfaces like oral cavities. Although it is commonly seen in adolescents, AN is also increasingly seen in children who are obese. Recent studies have found that AN can be a cutaneous indicator of insulin resistance and malignancy. Acanthosis nigricans has been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, endocrinopathies, drugs, and malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekayi Kutlubay
- Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey.
| | - Burhan Engin
- Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Orkhan Bairamov
- Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Yalçın Tüzün
- Department of Dermatology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
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Dalili AR, Lotfi R, Mousavi SM. Cavitary pulmonary lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus: an unusual manifestation. Electron Physician 2015; 6:868-71. [PMID: 25763160 PMCID: PMC4324291 DOI: 10.14661/2014.868-871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown pathogenesis. The frequency of SLE with cavitary lesion manifestation is very rare and is thought to be due to infection or pulmonary embolism. A 19-year-old female diagnosed with SLE complicated by lupus nephritis and cavitary pulmonary lesion is presented in this case report. Other diseases that can lead to such lesions were ruled out in the patient. The patient improved briefly after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, but was unresponsive to supportive treatment due to pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is caused by cavitary lesions and possibly bronchopleural fistulas – these later caused respiratory distress and death. The patient did not show any improvement in the lesions after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. This case report suggests that the differential diagnosis of cavitary lung lesions should include SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Reza Dalili
- M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology, Radiology Department, College of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Reza Lotfi
- M.D., Radiology Resident, Radiology Department, College of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Maryam Mousavi
- Ph.D. Student of Health Psychology, Faculty Member of Islamic Azad University-Rasht brunch, Rasht, Iran
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Abstract
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by dark, coarse and thickened skin with a velvety texture, being symmetrically distributed on the neck, the axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and groin folds, histopathologically characterized by papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis of the skin. A high prevalence of AN has been observed recently. Different varieties of AN include benign, obesity associated, syndromic, malignant, acral, unilateral, medication-induced and mixed AN. Diagnosis is largely clinical with histopathology needed only for confirmation. Other investigations needed are fasting lipoprotein profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin and alanine aminotransferase for obesity associated AN and radiological investigations (plain radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging/computerized tomography) for malignancy associated AN. The most common treatment modalities include retinoids and metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Madhukar Phiske
- Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, L.T.M.M.C and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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