[Cutaneous manifestations of metabolic syndrome]

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. High blood pressure, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and central obesity are the main risk factors. While MetS is not a dermatological diagnosis per se, several cutaneous manifestations can serve as a clinical indicator for impending MetS and facilitate an early diagnosis and therapy in order to prevent its long-term sequelae.

Cutaneous manifestations: Acanthosis nigricans and multiple skin tags can be signs of insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, xanthoma and xanthelasma signs of dyslipidemia. Patients with type II diabetes can display numerous more or less specific dermatoses. Psoriasis and Hidradenitis suppurativa are frequently associated with MetS and obesity. Acne and hirsutism are highly prevalent signs of cutaneous hyperandrogenism due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hyperinsulinemia plays a major pathophysiological role in PCOS; MetS is thus an integral part of PCOS CONCLUSION: Emerging scientific evidence points to close associations between MetS and common dermatological diseases necessitating to integrate this perspective into clinical management of these diseases. The dermatologist is a key player in early detection of MetS.

Keywords: Acanthosis nigricans; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Psoriasis vulgaris; Risk factors.