The HAIR-AN Syndrome: A Report of a Misdiagnosed Case with Unfortunate Outcome

The document reported a case of a 20-year-old girl with HAIR-AN syndrome, characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans, which was initially misdiagnosed, leading to an unfortunate outcome. Despite multiple interventions, including bilateral oophorectomy and various medications, her insulin resistance persisted, though her androgen levels decreased. The case highlighted the challenges in diagnosing and managing HAIR-AN syndrome, emphasizing the need for proper screening for insulin resistance in hyperandrogenic women. The syndrome's primary abnormality was postulated to be insulin resistance with secondary hyperinsulinemia, leading to ovarian androgen overproduction. The document underscored the importance of targeted management strategies, including weight loss, exercise, and hormonal treatments, though current management remained controversial and often inadequate.