The Dermoscopic Patterns in Patients with Acanthosis Nigricans and its Potential Relation to Duration and Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is associated with endocrine dysfunction, especially insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, as seen in diabetes mellitus (DM). Clinical and dermoscopic findings of AN are associated with the control of DM.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the dermoscopic patterns in patients with AN and its relation to the duration and control of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: This Comparative analytical cross-sectional study was conducted Prediabetic patients (20 patients) complaining of AN with age ranging from 30 to 52 years old (2 male and 18 female) and Patients of chronic diabetes mellitus of different durations (20 patients), complaining of AN with age ranging from 33 to 60 years old (5 male and 15 female); we investigated HbA1C level and random blood glucose, in addition to dermoscopic examination of AN were performed using the dermoscope (DL4).

Results: Significant positive correlation between dermoscopic findings of AN and BMI, random blood glucose and HbA1C of both groups. Significantly positive correlation between (hyperpigmented dots, hyperpigmented globule and papillary projection) of dermoscopic findings of AN and clinically hyperpigmented patch and Velvety-like appearance of both groups. Significant increase in papillary projection, hyperpigmented dots and hyperpigmented globule in Group II compared to Group I.

Conclusion: Significant positive correlation between dermoscopic findings of acanthosis nigricans and BMI, RBG and HbA1C of both groups. The Severity of clinical appearance of AN is related mainly to level of blood glucose and IR so it more marked in the diabetic group than the prediabetic group.