Editorial
Copyright ©2010 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Cardiol. Sep 26, 2010; 2(9): 262-269
Published online Sep 26, 2010. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v2.i9.262
Table 1 Clinical markers of atherosclerosis[7]
1Xanthelasma, xanthoma/giant gluteal xanthoma
2Arcus juvenilis
3Acanthosis nigricans
4Skin tags
5Premature graying and balding in smokers
6Ear lobe crease
7Nicotine stains
8Betel quid seller syndrome
9Central obesity-flabs and folds
10Signs of peripheral vascular disease
11Gouty arthritis
12Rheumatoid arthritis
13Psoriasis
Table 2 Types of acanthosis nigricans
TypeCharacteristics
Obesity-associated ANMost common type of AN
May occur at any age but more common in adulthood
Obesity often caused by insulin resistance
Syndromic ANDefined as AN that is associated with a syndrome, e.g. hyperinsulinemia, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, total lipodystrophy
Benign ANAlso referred to as acral acanthotic anomaly
Thick velvety lesion most prominent over the upper surface of hands and feet in patients who are in otherwise good health
Most common in dark-skinned people, especially those of African American descent
Drug-induced ANUncommon, but AN may be induced by several medications, including nicotinic acid, insulin, systemic corticosteroids and hormone treatments
Hereditary benign ANAN inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
Lesions may manifest at any age, infancy, childhood or adulthood
Malignant ANAN associated with internal malignancy
Most common underlying cancer is tumor of the gut (90%) especially stomach cancer
In 25%-50% of cases, lesions are present in the mouth on the tongue and lips
Mixed-type ANPatients with one type of AN who also develop new lesions of a different type, e.g. overweight patient with obesity-associated AN who then develops malignant AN