J Mycol Infect.  2021 Mar;26(1):1-7. 10.17966/JMI.2021.26.1.1.

Relationship Between Acanthosis Nigricans and Fungal Infection: Clinical and Histopathological findings

• Jung JW
• Hong EH
• Park EJ
• Kim KJ
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2517350
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17966/JMI.2021.26.1.1

Abstract

Background
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin condition that presents clinically with hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic, and velvety skin changes, especially in the intertriginous areas. The intertriginous areas are also susceptible to superficial cutaneous fungal infections. The potential relationship between AN and cutaneous fungal infection has not been investigated.
Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship, if any, between AN and fungal infection, both clinically and pathologically.
Methods
A retrospective review was performed using electronic medical records and histology of biopsy slides obtained from 29 patients who were diagnosed with AN by two dermatopathologists. Comparison was made between the clinical and pathological findings of AN with fungal infection (ANFI+) and AN without fungal infection (ANFI-).
Results
Among the 29 patients with AN, fungal spores were detected on the biopsy slides of 18 patients (62.1%) and appeared in the epidermal furrow more often than in the epidermal ridge. No significant clinical difference was found between the ANFI+ and ANFI- groups; however, in the ANFI+ group, lesions were more prevalent in the neck area (p = 0.048). In addition, the ANFI+ biopsy slides revealed more papillomatosis than ANFI- biopsy slides (p = 0.006).
Conclusion
Fungal infection tends to appear in combination with AN when more severe papillomatosis is also present.

Keyword

Acanthosis nigricans; Fungal infection; Papillomatosis