XYY Chromosome Complement in a Patient with Nodulocystic Acne

Abstract

A 14-year-old, very tall boy with severe nodulocystic acne was found to have the XYY chromosome complement, thus supporting previous studies suggesting an association between this dermatological lesion and the presence of an extra Y chromosome. It is conceivable that Y-controlled genes, regulating pilosebaceous cell function directly or through the production of an aberrant testosterone, are implicated in the pathogenesis of nodulocystic acne. Severe nodulocystic acne, especially early in life, may prove to be another phenotypic trait of the XYY syndrome.