ACNE CONGLOBATA AND KLINEFELTERS-SYNDROME

Acne conglobata has been reported to be more common and more severe in XYY chromosomal aberration than in normal subjects, whereas only exce ptional cases have been observed in the more common XXY Klinefelter ka ryotype. We report a 17-year-old male with both Klinefelter's syndrome and acne conglobata, spreading from face to upper arms, trunk, buttoc ks and upper legs. The serum level of testosterone was normal, whereas luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were elevated. S kin lesions responded well to a combined therapeutic regimen including oral isotretinoin and prednisolone. An overview of severe acne in rel ation to chromosomal abnormalities is given and diagnostic and therape utic options discussed.