Oral Pigmentation as a Sign of Addison’s disease
Abstract Addisonian skin hyperpigmentation, an important element of the pathology, is relatively rare, mucosal involvement is even less frequent. Likewise, there is little iconographic documentation of these pathologies. Addison’s disease is a primary adrenal failure caused by infiltrative or autoimmune processes. One of the most important signs of Addison’s disease is cutaneous and mucosal hyperpigmentation’s related to ACTH melanogenesis action. Pigmentation can be homogeneous or blotchy, it does not depend on gender or race. It may involve skin, oral cavity, conjunctiva and genitalia. It is more evident in areas exposed to the sun and under mechanical stimulations. Here, we describe a patient who was affected by brown maculae involving the oral cavity. Treatment with hydrocortisone allowed biological normalization and improvement of the general condition. Currently, the patient no longer has a systemic disorder, however the mucous hyperpigmentation persists. Read More About This Art...
