Question

A female patient with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 presents to you with a lesion on the neck, as shown below. Which of the following conditions is the most likely to be suffering from?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Metabolic syndrome
• C. Addision’s disease
• D. Hyperparathyroidism

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The female patient's condition involves a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m², classifying her as obese. The lesion on the neck suggests the presence of acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition commonly associated with insulin resistance. Given these clues, we need to determine the most likely underlying condition.

Analysis:

• Hypothyroidism: Typically does not directly cause skin lesions; symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Characterized by a cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Acanthosis nigricans is often seen with insulin resistance, making this the most likely diagnosis.
• Addison’s Disease: Involves adrenal insufficiency; symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, and hyperpigmentation, but not typically in the form seen with acanthosis nigricans.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Primarily affects calcium levels; skin changes are not common.

Conclusion: The presence of obesity-related acanthosis nigricans strongly suggests Metabolic Syndrome as the most likely condition related to insulin resistance, fitting the patient's profile and symptoms.