Acne conglobata and Klinefelter's syndrome

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