Article

Acanthosis nigricans: a flag for insulin resistance

Published in: Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa
Volume 19 , issue 2 , 2014 , pages: 68–74

DOI: 10.1080/16089677.2014.11073603

Author(s): S Venkatswami Department of Dermatology, India , S Anandam Department of Dermatology, India

Keywords: acanthosis nigricans , insulin resistance , grades , texture

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Abstract

Objectives: Acanthosis nigricans refers to the velvety, black hyperpigmentation seen in the flexures. It is a cutaneous marker for insulin resistance (IR), some metabolic disorders and rarely malignancy. When secondary to IR, it is asymptomatic, except for the hyperpigmentation. The neck is the most accessible and easiest to grade. Our aim was to identify the predictive value of the grades of acanthosis nigricans in identifying IR, the predictive value of the textures of acanthosis nigricans in identifying IR, and the diagnostic utility of acanthosis nigricans grading in comparison to the laboratory tests.

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