Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue (PFPT)

Abstract

A 12-year-old African girl presented with multiple, sharply bordered hyperpigmented patches predominantly on the dorsal, tip and lateral aspects of the tongue since 1 year (Figs 1 and 2). On clinical examination, we found an obese adolescent girl with a BMI: 26.5 kg/m² ( > P97) with acanthosis nigricans of the neck. No medications were taken. Vitamin B12, liver tests and kidney function were normal. There was a decreased serum iron, 25OH vitamin D and zinc. Hyperinsulinism and heterozygosity for HbS (32%) were detected. Menarche: 12 years. No other family members were known with this anomaly.

Keywords:

• Pigmented
• Papillae
• Tongue
• Melanophages