Intraoral acanthosis nigricans and its clinical relevance as a manifestation of a paraneoplastic syndrome: a case report / Acantosis nigricans intraoral y su relevancia clínica como manifestación de un síndrome paraneoplásico: reporte de un caso

Malignant-or-paraneoplastic acanthosis nigricans is a verrucous and hyperpigmented tumor affecting the mucosa and skin. In most cases malignant acanthosis nigricans is a distant manifestation of an intra-abdominal primary cancer. While the diagnosis of malignant acanthosis nigricans is challenging, some specific clinical and histopathological findings could lead to an accurate diagnosis. A rare clinical case of a 59-year-old female, who was referred to the maxillofacial surgery service due to a painful oral lesion in the palatine region, is presented. Upon examination, papillomatous lesions were observed on the hard palate, that were later diagnosed as intraoral malignant acanthosis nigricans secondary to gastric cancer. Both local and systemic evaluations are discussed, highlighting the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach consistent with the fact that these manifestations, although infrequent, should generate suspicion among clinicians and therefore motivation to perform a diligent and complete study since it can reveal the presence of a malignant pathology.

La acantosis nigricans maligna o paraneoplásica es un tumor verrugoso e hiperpigmentado que afecta la mucosa y la piel. En la mayoría de los casos, la acantosis nigricans maligna es una manifestación distante de un cáncer primario intraabdominal. Si bien el diagnóstico de acantosis nigricans maligna es desafiante, algunos hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos específicos podrían conducir a un diagnóstico preciso. Se presenta un caso clínico raro de una mujer de 59 años, que fue derivada al servicio de cirugía maxilofacial debido a una lesión oral dolorosa en la región palatina. En el examen, se observaron lesiones papilomatosas en el paladar duro, que posteriormente se diagnosticaron como acantosis nigricans maligna intraoral secundaria a cáncer gástrico. Se discuten tanto las evaluaciones locales como las sistémicas, destacando la relevancia de un enfoque multidisciplinario consistente con el hecho de que estas manifestaciones, aunque poco frecuentes, deberían generar sospecha entre los clínicos y, por lo tanto, motivación para un estudio diligente y completo, ya que puede revelar la presencia de una patología maligna.

Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Changes in a Group of Obese Children / Insulino-resistência, Dislipidemia e Alterações Cardiovasculares num Grupo de Crianças Obesas

Introduction: Obesity-related comorbidities are present in young obese children, providing a platform for early adult cardiovascular disorders. Objectives: To compare and correlate markers of adiposity to metabolic disturbances, vascular and cardiac morphology in a European pediatric obese cohort. Methods: We carried out an observational and transversal analysis in a cohort consisting of 121 obese children of both sexes, between the ages of 6 and 17 years. The control group consisted of 40 children with normal body mass index within the same age range. Markers of adiposity, plasma lipids and lipoproteins, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, common carotid artery intima-media thickness and left ventricular diameters were analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the control and obese groups for the variables analyzed, all higher in the obese group, except for age, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin, higher in the control group. In the obese group, body mass index was directly correlated to left ventricular mass (r=0.542; p=0.001), the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (r=0.378; p=<0.001) and mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness (r=0.378; p=<0.001). In that same group, insulin resistance was present in 38.1%, 12.5% had a combined dyslipidemic pattern, and eccentric hypertrophy was the most common left ventricular geometric pattern. Conclusions: These results suggest that these markers may be used in clinical practice to stratify cardiovascular risk, as well as to assess the impact of weight control programs. .

Fundamento: As comorbidades relacionadas com a obesidade encontram-se patentes em crianças jovens obesas e são, potencialmente, um ponto de partida para as doenças cardiovasculares em adultos jovens. Objetivos: Comparar e correlacionar marcadores de adiposidade com distúrbios metabólicos e alterações cardiovasculares numa coorte de crianças obesas europeias. Métodos: Estudo observacional e transversal de uma coorte composta por 121 crianças obesas de ambos os gêneros, entre 6 e 17 anos de idade. O grupo controle incluiu 40 crianças com índice de massa corporal normal dentro da mesma faixa etária. Analisamos marcadores de adiposidade, lípides e lipoproteínas, o índice de insulino-resistência, a espessura da camada íntima-média da artéria carótida comum e os diâmetros do ventrículo esquerdo. Resultados: Observamos diferenças significativas entre os grupos controle e obeso para todos os parâmetros em análise, com todos os valores mais elevados no grupo obeso, exceto a idade, a lipoproteína de alta densidade e a adiponectina, superiores no grupo controle. No grupo obeso, o índice de massa corporal correlacionou‑se diretamente com a massa ventricular esquerda (r=0,542; p=0,001), com o índice de insulino-resistência (r = 0,378; p = < 0,001) e com a espessura da camada íntima-média da artéria carótida comum (r = 0,378; p = <0,001). Ainda no grupo obeso, 38,1% tinham insulino-resistência, 12,5% apresentavam um padrão de dislipidemia combinada, e hipertrofia excêntrica foi a forma geométrica ventricular mais observada. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os marcadores analizados podem ser utilizados para aferir risco cardiovascular, assim como para avaliar o impacto analítico e morfológico dos programas de redução de peso. .

Acantosis nigricans y linfoma no Hodgkin: presentación de un caso / Acanthosis nigricans and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a case presentation

La acantosis nigricans fue la primera dermatosis en la que se reconoció un carácter paraneoplásico. La característica sobresaliente es la hiperpigmentación simétrica y el engrosamiento aterciopelado de la piel. Se sugiere que algún factor producido por el tumor estimula el crecimiento epidérmico.Objetivo: presentar un caso poco frecuente de un paciente con el diagnóstico de linfoma no Hodgkin y acantosis nigricans.Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 62 años de edad con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial que un año previo a su ingreso manifestó cambios en la coloración de la piel, dermatosis generalizada, hiperpigmentación e hiperqueratosis en las palmas de las manos y el cuello.Conclusiones: el tumor más frecuente asociado con acantosis es el adenocarcinoma abdominal en 90 por ciento de los casos, entre los cuales 64 a 69 por ciento son de origen gástrico; el resto (10 por ciento ) se asocian con cáncer no digestivo; linfoma de Hodgkin, micosis fungoide, cáncer de esófago, próstata y tiroides. En el linfoma no Hodgkin su asociación es considerada muy rara y son pocos los casos reportados en la bibliografía...

Acanthosis nigricans was the first dermatosis in which a paraneoplastic nature was identified. The most significant feature is symmetrical hyperpigmentation and velvety thickening of the skin. It is suggested that any factor produced by the tumor stimulates the epidermal growth.Objective: to present the infrequent case of a patient diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acanthosis nigricans.Clinical case: the case of a sixty-two-year-old male patient with a personal history of high blood pressure is presented. A year before his admission the patient presented changes in the coloration of the skin, widespread dermatosis, hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis in the hands and neck.Conclusions: the most frequent tumor associated to acanthosis was abdominal adenocarcinoma, found in the 90 percent of the cases; among them a 64 to 69 percent were of gastric origin; the rest of the cases (10 percent) were associated to non-digestive cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, esophagus cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer. In relation to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the association is considered as rare, and there are just a few cases reported in the bibliography...

Nursing care in childcare services: Acantose nigricans as a marker for metabolic risk / Assistência de enfermagem na puericultura: Acantose nigricans como marcador de risco metabólico / Atención de enfermería en la puericultura: Acantose nigricans como marcador de riesgo metabólico

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the association between the presence of Acantose nigricans and metabolic changes in overweight adolescents, so as to ascertain the relevance of the identification of this marker in the nursing consultation. METHOD: a cross-sectional study undertaken between April 2009 and April 2010 with 118 adolescents who were service users of the Center for Child Obesity in Campina Grande in the Brazilian State of Paraíba (PB). The presence of Acantose nigricans, and the subjects' anthropometric measurements, were investigated. The following exams were made: insulin, triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol, Glucose and the homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: there was association between the presence of Acantose nigricans and participants with insulin resistance (p=0.008), metabolic syndrome (p=0.031), elevated triglycerides (p=0.045) and altered HDL (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: the suggestion is supported that the detection/identification of Acantose nigricans may be used in the nursing consultation as a tool for identifying overweight adolescents with greater risk of metabolic changes. .

OBJETIVO: analisar a associação entre a presença de Acantose nigricans e alterações metabólicas em adolescentes com excesso de peso, a fim de verificar a relevância da identificação desse marcador na consulta de enfermagem. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, realizado entre abril/2009 e abril/2010, com 118 adolescentes, usuários do Centro de Obesidade Infantil de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Investigaram-se a presença de Acantose nigricans e as medidas antropométricas nos sujeitos. Foram realizados os exames: insulina, triglicerídeos, HDL-Colesterol, glicose e homeostático modelo de avaliação. RESULTADOS: houve associação entre a presença de Acantose nigricans e participantes com resistência insulínica (p=0,008), síndrome metabólica (p=0,031), triglicerídeo elevado (p=0,045) e HDL alterado (p=0,002). CONCLUSÕES: reforça-se a sugestão de que a detecção/identificação da Acantose nigricans pode vir a ser utilizada na consulta de enfermagem como ferramenta para a identificação de adolescentes com excesso de peso com maior risco de alteração metabólica. .

OBJETIVO: analizar la asociación entre la presencia de Acantose nigricans y alteraciones metabólicas en adolescentes con exceso de peso, a fin de verificar la relevancia de la identificación de este marcador en la consulta de enfermería. MÉTODO: estudio transversal realizado entre abril/2009 y abril/2010, con 118 adolescentes, usuarios del Centro de Obesidad Infantil de Campina Grande/PB. Fueron investigadas la presencia de Acantose nigricans y las medidas antropométricas en los sujetos. Fueron aplicados los test: insulina, triglicéridos, HDL-Colesterol, Glucosa y homeostático modelo de evaluación (HOMA-IR). RESULTADOS: fue encontrada asociación entre la presencia de Acantose nigricans y participantes con resistencia en contra de la insulina (p=0,008), síndrome metabólica (p=0,031), triglicéridos elevados (p=0,045) y HDL alterado (p=0,002). CONCLUSIONES: se subraya la sugestión de que la detección/identificación de la Acantose nigricans podrá ser utilizada en la consulta de enfermería como herramienta para la identificación de adolescentes con exceso de peso con mayor riesgo de alteración metabólica. .

Frequency of various types of neoplasia in a group of acromegalic patients / Frequência de neoplasia de diversos tipos em um grupo de pacientes acromegálicos

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of colon cancer, primary hyperparathyroidism, thyroid tumor, and skin cancer in all acromegalic patients in follow-up at the Clinics Hospital - Botucatu Medical School, from 2005 to 2011. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: These patients were evaluated retrospectively for colon cancer, primary hyperparathyroidism, dermatological, and thyroid tumors. RESULTS: Of 29 patients included at the beginning of the study, two were excluded. Among 19 patients submitted to colonoscopy, one presented colon adenocarcinoma (5%). Thyroid nodules were present in 63% of patients, and papilliferous carcinoma was confirmed in two patients (7,7%). Four patients were confirmed as having primary hyperparathyroidism (15%). The most common dermatologic lesions were thickened skin (100%), acrochordons (64%), epidermal cysts (50%), and pseudo-acanthosis nigricans (50%). Only one patient presented basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Although a small number of acromegalic patients was studied, our findings confirm the high frequency of thyroid neoplasias and primary hyperparathyroidism in this group of patients.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência de câncer de cólon, hiperparatireoidismo primário, tumores de tireoide e pele em todos os acromegálicos em seguimento no Hospital de Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu de 2005 a 2011. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Esses pacientes foram avaliados retrospectivamente quanto a presença de câncer de cólon, hiperparatiroidismo primário, tumores da tiroide e pele. RESULTADOS: Dos 29 pacientes incluídos no início do estudo, dois foram excluídos. Dentre os 19 pacientes submetidos à colonoscopia, um apresentou adenocarcinoma de cólon (5%). Nódulos de tireoide estiveram presentes em 65% dos pacientes e carcinoma papilífero, em dois deles (7,7%). Quatro pacientes apresentaram hiperparatireoidismo primário (15%). A maioria das lesões de pele foram: espessamento (100%), acrochordons (64%), cistos epidérmicos (50%), pseudoacantose nigricans (50%) e apenas um paciente apresentou carcinoma basocelular. CONCLUSÃO: O tamanho da amostra é pequeno, mas nossos achados confirmam a alta frequência da neoplasia da tireoide e hiperparatireroidismo neste grupo de pacientes.

Menarquia y factores asociados / Menarche and associated factors

Introducción: la menarquia es el indicador de maduración sexual más comúnmente utilizado, influida por factores genéticos y ambientales, y se asocia al riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades como la obesidad, el cáncer de mama, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, entre otras. Objetivos: caracterizar demográficamente las adolescentes en estudio; evaluarlas nutricionalmente utilizando el índice de masa corporal y la circunferencia de cintura, así como identificar la relación entre la menarquia, el color de la piel, el bajo peso al nacer, el exceso de peso corporal, la obesidad abdominal y la presencia de acantosis nigricans. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo transversal en la Secundaria Básica Urbana José María Heredia, desde junio de 2010 a enero de 2011. La población estuvo constituida por 85 adolescentes, a las cuales se les preguntó acerca de la menarquia, se les realizaron las mediciones antropométricas, y se buscó la presencia de acantosis nigricans. Resultados: la edad media de las adolescentes fue 12,05 años, de las cuales el 63,5 porciento había experimentado la menarquia, y su edad media de presentación fue de 11,00±0,801 años. El 17,6 por ciento presentó exceso corporal, el 34,1 por ciento adiposidad abdominal y el 12,9 porciento acantosis nigricans, asociadas estadísticamente con la aparición de la menarquia. Conclusiones: la mayoría de las adolescentes que habían experimentado la menarquia eran maduradoras tempranas, y de color de piel blanca; mostraron un riesgo incrementado de desarrollar exceso de peso corporal, obesidad abdominal y signos clínicos de resistencia a la insulina. La aparición de la menarquia no estuvo influida por el bajo peso al nacer(AU)

Introduction: menarche is the most common sexual maturity indicator, influenced by genetic and environmental factors and associated to the risk of developing diseases such as obesity, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases and others. Objectives: to characterize demographically the adolescents under study; to evaluate them from the nutritional viewpoint by using the body mass index and the waist circumference, as well as to identify the association among menarche, race, low birthweight, overweight, abdominal obesity and presence of acanthosis nigricans. Methods: a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was conducted in Jose Maria Heredia junior high school from June 2010 to January 2011. The population was made up of 85 adolescents, who were asked about menarche, were anthropometrically measured and searched for acanthosis nigricans. Results: the average age of female adolescents was 12,05 years. Menarche was experienced by 63,5 percent of them and the average age of onset was 11,00±0,801 years. In this group, 17,6 percent presented with overweight, 34,1 percent with abdominal adiposity and 12,9 percent had acanthosis nigricans, all of these factors statistically associated with the onset of menarche. Conclusions: most of the female adolescents experienced menarche at early ages; they were Caucasians and showed a high risk of developing overweight, abdominal obesity and clinical signs of insulin-resistance. The onset of menarche was not affected by low birthweight(AU)

Malignant acanthosis nigricans in a patient with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

No abstract available.

Acantosis nigricans: importancia del odontólogo en el diagnóstico / Acanthosis nigricans: importance of the dentist in the diagnosis

La acantosis nigricans es un síndrome que afecta tanto la piel como las mucosas que se caracteriza por lesiones papilomatosas en mucosa bucal y alteraciones pigmentadas de la piel. Puede encontrarse con o sin asociación a neoplasia maligna, generalmente adenocarcinoma gástrico. Las manifestaciones bucales de este padecimiento, son más comunes cuando se encuentra asociada a neoplasia maligna y, se caracterizan por proliferaciones papilomatosas en labio, encías y lengua. El tratamiento es sintomático y al tratar la neoplasia subyacente se pueden llegar a resolver las lesiones de piel y de la boca. En el presente trabajo se describe un caso clínico asociado a adenocarcinoma de endometrio, destacando las manifestaciones bucales de la lesión de importancia para el estomatólogo de práctica general para que después de sea enviado al servicio correspondiente.

The acantosis nigricans is a syndrome that affects both the skin and the mucousas ones that are characterized by papilomatosus injuries in mucousae of the mouth and pigmented alterations of the skin. It can be with or without association to malignant neoplasia,, generally adenocarcinoma gastric. The mouth manifestations of this suffering, are more common when it is associated to malignant neoplasia and, are characterized by polilomatosus proliferations in lip, gums and tongue. The treatment is symptomatic and on having treated the neoplasia there can manage to be solved the injuries of skin and of the mouth. In the present work a clinical case is described, emphasizing the mouth manifestations of the injury of importance for the dentist for a good channeling of patiently and suitable attention.

Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba / Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil

Descrevem-se dez surtos de ectima contagioso em caprinos e dois em ovinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Os animais jovens foram os mais afetados, mas em oito surtos animais adultos também foram afetados, principalmente cabras lactantes que apresentavam lesões no úbere. Em nenhum dos rebanhos afetados havia antecedentes de vacinação contra ectima contagioso. Histologicamente a epiderme apresentava acantose com hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa e com múltiplos focos de degeneração hidrópica formando vesículas ou pústulas. Inclusões intracitoplasmáticas eosinofílicas foram observadas em queratinócitos. Havia restos celulares necróticos formando crostas, hiperqueratose e microabscessos intracorneais ou extensas áreas ulceradas. Na derme observou-se infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear difuso. Também foi registrado um caso humano em um pesquisador que tinha administrado planta por via oral a um caprino que, posteriormente, apresentou lesões de ectima contagioso. Neste caso, também foram observadas lesões características em uma biopsia e o vírus foi identificado por microscopia eletrônica. Conclui-se que a doença é endêmica no semi-árido e que é necessária a vacinação sistemática dos rebanhos para diminuir os prejuízos econômicos causados pela mesma. A utilização de luvas para o manuseio de animais afetados é necessária para evitar casos humanos da enfermidade.

Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans with liver secondaries from an occult primary adenocarcinoma of gastrointestinal tract.

A 38-year-old female presented with hyperpigmented velvety plaques on the nape and the sides of the neck with diffuse pigmentation of the face and flexures suggestive of acanthosis nigricans. The dorsa of both the hands showed increased rugosity, hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis of the palms, suggestive of tripe palms. Investigations revealed multiple secondaries in the liver. Histopathology showed the secondaries to be from adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ectodermal dysplasia with acanthosis nigricans [Lelis' syndrome]

A 32-year-old Saudi male was referred with a long-standing history of abnormal hair of the scalp, dystrophic nails and dry skin with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. He had a twin brother with similar but milder manifestations on clinical examination who refused to be photographed. The parents were not related to each other but belonged to the same tribe. General physical examination showed a normal height and weight, low-set ears, and narrow face with prominent forehead and lips. He had saddle nose with an increased nose width. Cutaneous examination revealed dry, hypochromic wrinkled skin with thick lips. The scalp hairs were sparse, dry and lusterless, beard and pubic hairs were also scanty. There was hyperkeratosis of the skin of the hands and feet. The patient also had acanthosis nigricans in the axillary region. Nails were thick, yellow in color, dystrophic and hyper convex. Oral examination revealed hypodontia with peg-shaped anterior teeth. The patient reported fragile temporary teeth with early loss. There was delayed neurological development and the patient had mild mental retardation. Investigations including blood counts, chemistry, thyroid studies, testosterone and estradiol were all within normal limits. Chromosomal analysis on peripheral blood lymphocytes with G'banding technique showed a normal male constituency. Skeletal survey and examination of the hair from the scalp under the light microscope were normal. Skin from the palm was taken for histopathology which showed reduction in number of eccrine sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles, also the epidermis was thin and flattened. Biopsy taken from the axilla revealed acanthosis nigricans

Acantose nigricans / Acanthosis nigricans

A acantose nigricans é um quadro cutâneo que pode ser marcador de outras doenças, inclusive malignas. Devido a sua importancia, realizamos revisäo bibliográfica sobre suas principais características

¿Cual es la relación del Pityrosporum ovale con la papilomatosis reticulada y confluente de Gougerot y Carteaud?: comentarios a propósito de cuatro estudios histológicos y micológicos / Which is the relationship of Pityrosporum ovale and reticulated and confluent papilomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud?

Se discute si hay relación etiológica del Pityrosporum ovale en la génesis de la papilomatosis reticulada y confluente de Gougerot y Carteaud. Se trata de puntualizar las diferencias clínicas y micológicas con otras patologías relacionadas con la levadura. Se concluye que es un cuadro bien individualizado, debido a trastornos de la queratinización, y que no hay participación de Pityrosporum ovale

Hirsutismo: experiencia en diagnóstico y tratamiento en el período 1970-1995 / Hirsutism: experience in diagnosis and treatment in the period 1970-1995

En la anamnesis de la hirsuta, destaca el inicio peripuberal del hirsutismo y en el examen físico la importancia del vello pubiano que aporta el 40 por ciento del score total. Del 74 por ciento de hirsutas hiperandrogénicas, el 34 por ciento poseen elevación exclusiva de la testosterona, el 24 por ciento de la dehidroepiandrosterona sulfato y el 42 por ciento un alza de ambas. El alto porcentaje de dehidroepiandrosterona sulfato aumentada, sola o junto a testosterona, sugiere un compromiso suprarrenal en la etiología del hirsutismo, respaldado por un 50 por ciento de prueba de estimulación suprarrenal con hiperrespuesta de este andrógeno, en hirsutas y en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico. El alza de la 17 hidroxiprogesterona basal, obliga a realizar prueba de estimulación cob ACTH para descartar su origen ov+arico y confirmar el déficit de la 21 hidroxilasa. Un 5 por ciento de las hirsutas tenían acantosis nigricans con resistencia insulínica y alteraciones lipídicas. Se analiza el tratamiento con antiandrógenos, ciproterona y espironolactona y la frenación con glucocorticoides

Endocrine profiles in six patients with acanthosis nigricans.

Six women (age range 17-38 years), who presented to the dermatology services with biopsy-proven acanthosis nigricans of variable duration were evaluated to rule out endocrine diseases. Menstrual abnormalities (5/6 patients), pallid striae (4/6 patients), hirsutism (4/6 patients) and acne vulgaris (2/6 patients) were found on physical examination. All the patients had body mass indices in the obese (> 27 kg/m2) range, and in association we found ovarian hyperthecosis, PCOD, premature ovarian failure, glucose intolerance and hyperprolactinaemia in the above six patients. The importance of appropriate endocrinal evaluation in patients with biopsy-proven acanthosis nigricans is emphasized.