Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2012 Dec;55(12):1035-1038. 10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.12.1035.

A case of acanthosis nigricans on vulvar area in menopausal woman with diabetes

• Oh JW
• Kim JY
• Kim YS
• Kim CJ

• KMID: 2274221
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2012.55.12.1035

Abstract

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatopathy with a distinctive appearance that facilitates its diagnosis. Although an external condition, it is associated with a wide variety of less obvious internal conditions, either benign or malignant. Insulin resistance figures prominently in its benign associations and plays a primary role in its development. The development of AN rarely requires treatment, although the underlying condition usually does. AN and insulin resistance are found frequently in obese and hyperandrogenic women. The vulva is the most likely place to find this marker. We experienced a case of AN with 71-year obese menopausal woman with diabetes who presented with itching sensation on vulvar area. AN was revealed on pathology and acitretin, control of blood glucose, and weight reduction were used. So we report it with a brief review of literatures.

Keyword

Acanthosis nigricans; Diabetes mellitus; Vulva

MeSH Terms

Acanthosis Nigricans
Acitretin
Blood Glucose
Diabetes Mellitus
Female
Humans
Hypogonadism
Insulin Resistance
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia
Pruritus
Sensation
Vulva
Weight Loss
Acitretin
Blood Glucose
Hypogonadism
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Hyperpigmented and hyperkeratotic plaque on both vulvar area (arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Microscopic finding reveals acanthosis, mild parakeratosis, and papillomatosis consistent with acanthosis nigricans (H&E, ×150).

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