Generalized Acanthosis Nigricans in Early Childhood

Abstract

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a disorder often accompanied by internal malignancy in adult patients, but in children it is usually benign. Generalized forms of AN, especially in childhood, are extremely rare. We report a 5-year-old boy with a 3-year history of AN who had generalized roughness and hyperpigmentation, numerous skin wrinkles, disseminated skin tags, tripe palms, and intensive pruritus. No clinical evidence of internal disorders, notably of an endocrinologic or neoplastic nature, have been detected thus far.

Juvenile acanthosis nigricans

“…Rarely, there may be generalized involvement. 42,43 Because it is unclear whether these individuals have insulin resistance, we recommend that they be evaluated for it. …”

“…33 Gastric adenocarcinoma accounts for approximately 66% of cases associated with malignant AN in adults. 33,40,43,54 However, data are insufficient to generalize for children. Gastric adenocarcinoma, Wilms' tumor, and osteogenic sarcoma appear well represented, with malignant AN developing in some before the detection of osteogenic sarcoma 55 or Wilms' tumor.…”

Familial Acanthosis Nigricans Due to K650T FGFR3 Mutation

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Furthermore, there are reports of benign, generalized AN in early childhood without a positive family history, malignancy, associated syndrome, causative medication, or comorbid condition. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Only a few families with isolated (nonsyndromic, noninsulin resistance-associated) familial AN have been reported in the literature. [4][5][6][7][8] Inheritance tends to be autosomal dominant with variable penetrance.…”

Clinical and pathologic findings of paraneoplastic dermatoses

“…Sudden presentation during adulthood, however, may signal malignancy. 13 More than 80% of patients with malignant acanthosis nigricans are over 40 years of age. 14 Clinical presentation.…”