This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citing articles on Web of Science (7)  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

Gail Todd, FFDerm(SA), PhD; Norma Saxe, FFDerm(SA)

Arch Dermatol. 1994;130(6):759-762.

Abstract
Background
The acro-osteolytic diseases are a heterogeneous group of bone disorders characterized by bone resorption. Acquired and genetic forms have been well described. As hand abnormalities are frequently encountered in dermatologic practice, bone resorptive states, with particular reference to the idiopathic osteolytic disorders, are discussed.

Observations
Asymptomatic terminal phalangeal osteolysis has been investigated in two unrelated young adults with no other bony or systemic abnormalities. The nails of the attenuated bulbous fingers were dystrophic, and pigmentary changes were present in the affected areas. The skin was otherwise normal, and there was minimal soft-tissue loss. Roentgenograms of the hands and feet showed varying stages of phalangeal osteolysis.

Conclusions
Both cases represent primary idiopathic acro-osteolysis, as the bony changes are limited to the distal phalanges of the hands and feet. There were no features in the history or clinical evaluation to support a diagnosis of secondary acro-osteolysis.

(Arch Dermatol. 1994;130:759-762)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Dermatology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?