[Woman 19-old with hirsutism, obesity and acanthosis nigricans]

Abstract

19-year-old hirsute woman with obesity, skin lesions with features of acanthosis nigricans around neck, armpits, thoracic cage and wrists escalating for couple of months, elevated testosterone and insulin plasma levels was admitted to hospital to perform diagnostic approach. The final diagnosis was hyperandrogenism-insulin resistance-acanthosis nigricans syndrome (HAIR-AN syndrome), considered as a subtype of policystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and impaired glucose tolerance. HAIR-AN is characterized by coexistence of: hyperandrogenism (HA), insulin resistance (IR) and acanthosis nigricans (AN). These symptoms are result of increased insulin and androgens levels. Due to accompanying complications (obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, infertility) patients with HAIR-AN syndrome should be monitored and treated. Rarely acanthosis nigricans, especially when occurs rapidly and extensively, may be a paraneoplastic disorder. Life style modification with BMI reduction was recommended and metformin, a drug improving sensitivity to insulin, was administered. Patient should be monitored due to possible complications of obesity, diabetes and hyperinsulinemia.

Keywords: acanthosis nigricans (AN); hyperandrogenism (HA); hyperandrogenism-insulin resistance-acanthosis nigricans syndrome (HAIR-AN syndrome); insulin resistance (IR); obesity.