Acroosteolysis presenting with brachyonychia following exposure to cold.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A vast number of conditions ranging from simple trauma to hereditary and collagen vascular disease had been described in association with acroosteolysis.

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate that severe cold exposure not mounting to frostbite may be associated with acroosteolysis.

METHODS:

A 16-year-old girl with acroosteolysis presenting with brachyonychia was fully investigated for possible cause of her nail and bone deformity.

RESULTS:

Lab investigations including Parathormone levels, Anti Scl 70, ANA, Anti-CCP and RF levels were all normal. X-ray imaging revealed resorption of the tufts of the terminal phalanges bilaterally. Disruption of nail fold capillaries with sluggish flow in capillary loops was evident on capillaroscopy.

CONCLUSION:

It had been repeatedly reported that frostbite, Raynaud's disease and diseases associated with repeated chilblains may be associated with secondary cold-induced acroosteolysis. Here, we present a case of acroosteolysis associated with brachyonychia following exposure to severe cold not mounting to frostbite.

• Authors: M H M El-Komy, R Baran
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 29 Issue 11 Pg. 2252-4 (Nov 2015) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25385354 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Topics

• Acro-Osteolysis (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Adolescent
• Capillaries (pathology)
• Cold Temperature (adverse effects)
• Female
• Finger Phalanges (diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Nail Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Nails (blood supply)
• Radiography