Melanonychia associated with subungual follicular inclusions: report of three cases

Abstract Melanonychia is the change in the coloration of the nail plate resulting from the deposition of melanin. Among its causes are melanocytic hyperplasia, melanocytic activation and nail melanoma. Subungual follicular inclusions are histological findings of unknown etiology, possibly related to trauma. We present three cases of melanonychia of different etiologies with subungual follicular inclusions, an association that has not been well described and with an indefinite pathogenesis.

Caso de paraqueratosis pustulosa: entidad poco frecuente y síntoma de enfermedad inflamatoria del aparato ungueal en pacientes pediátricos / Case of pustular parakeratosis: a rare entity common and symptom of inflammatory disease of the nail apparatus in pediatric patients

La paraqueratosis pustulosa es una entidad poco descrita en la literatura y se define como un proceso inflamatorio cutáneo, ungueal y periungueal en el área distal de un dedo habitualmente pulgar o índice, frecuentemente en la infancia. Su evolución suele ser benigna y la respuesta a emolientes tópicos es favorable. A continuación, se presenta un caso de esta enfermedad con el objetivo de resaltar su consideración en patologías ungueales pediátricas.

Pustular parakeratosis is an entity scantly described in literature. It has been described as a skin, nail, and periungual inflammatory process in the distal area of a finger, usually the thumb or index finger, frequently in childhood. Its evolution is usually benign and management is favorable with topical emollients. A clinical case is presented, to raise awareness of this entity in pediatric nail pathologies.

Nail clipping in onychomycosis and comparison with normal nails and ungual psoriasis

Abstract: Background: Of all nail disorders seen in dermatology offices, half of them are due to onychomycosis. The main differential diagnosis is nail psoriasis. The objective of this study was to compare the microscopic findings, other than the presence of fungi, in the clipping of onychomycosis versus normal nails and nail psoriasis. Methods: Cross-sectional study of onychomycosis cases, analyzed by clipping and compared with data on normal nails and those with nail psoriasis. Results: Sixty-two onychomycosis samples were compared with 30 normal nails and 50 nails with psoriasis. In onychomycosis, measurement of subungual region, serous lakes, neutrophils and number of layers of parakeratosis are more intense than in psoriasis. Onychocariosis is less common in psoriasis, while bacteria are more frequent. The nail transition zone is more commonly blurred and irregular in onychomycosis. Conclusion: Clipping helps in the differential diagnosis of onychomycosis and nail psoriasis and may be useful even when fungi are not found.

Onychogryphosis in tuberous sclerosis complex: an unusual feature

Abstract Onychogryphosis is an acquired nail plate change. It often affects the toenail and is characterized by an opaque, yellow-brownish nail plate that is distorted, grossly thickened, elongated, and partly curved resembling a ram's horn. Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem disorder associated with high rates of mental retardation, autism, cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, or seizures. Nail disease can also be associated, which is a concern to patients due to pain and nail distortion. We reported a typical tuberous sclerosis complex patient with distinctive clinical features of a ram's horn nails, which presented a great challenge to surgical treatment and nail restoration.

Coexistence of nail lichen planus and lichen planus pigmentosus

Abstract We describe a fifty-six-year old, Afro-descendent female patient showing dystrophy of her twenty nails and hyperchromic, asymptomatic macule on her face. Histopathological examination of the macule showed vacuolization of the basal layer, melanophages in the superficial dermis and lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate. Nail biopsy revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate. Lichen planus pigmentosus is an uncommon variety of lichen planus. It is characterized by typical hyperpigmented macules on the face and neck. Nail changes might be present in 10% of lichen planus cases, but no associations with lichen planus pigmentosus have been described. We report a case of lichen planus in twenty nails associated with lichen planus pigmentosus on the patient's face.

Dermoscopy and Onychomycosis: guided nail abrasion for mycological samples

Abstract: Mycological examination is still the cornerstone for the diagnosis of onychomycosis for many dermatologists, but sampling technique interferes on its sensitivity and specificity. Nail abrasion may be used to reach the most proximal part of the lesion and can be easily accomplished with an electric abrasor. We suggest nail plate dermoscopy to identify the best location for localized abrasion to obtain adequate samples for mycological examination.

Nail involvement in adult patients with plaque-type psoriasis: prevalence and clinical features

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a disease of worldwide distribution with a prevalence of 1 to 3%. Nail psoriasis is estimated in 50% of patients with psoriasis, and in the presence of joint involvement, it can reach 80%. OBJECTIVE: To study the nail changes - and their clinical implications - presented by patients with psoriasis vulgaris under surveillance in a university hospital from the south of Brazil. METHODS: his cross-sectional study evaluated 65 adult patients from January 2012 to March 2013. Cutaneous severity was assessed according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) was used to evaluate patient's nails. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis was established according to the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR). RESULTS: The prevalence of NP was 46.1%. These patients had a median [interquartilic range (IQR)] NAPSI of 1 (0-15). A total of 63.3% of patients reported aesthetic discomfort or functional impairment related to their nails. Onycholysis was the most common feature (80%). When compared with patients without nail involvement, patients with NP had lower mean age at psoriasis onset [21 (18-41) vs. 43 (30-56) years, p=0,001]; longer disease duration [15.5 (10-24) vs. 6 (2-12) years, p=0.001]; higher PASI [9.2 (5-17) vs. 3.7 (2-10), p=0.044], higher frequency of psoriatic arthritis (43.3 vs. 3.7, p = 0.002) and more often reported family history of psoriasis (40% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Onycholysis was the most frequent finding and most patients feel uncomfortable with the psoriatic nail changes that they experience. .

Nail apparatus melanoma: a diagnostic opportunity / Melanoma do aparelho ungueal: uma oportunidade diagnóstica

Malignant Melanoma is a high mortality neoplasm. The involvement of the nail apparatus is rare, with only 2 out of 3 patients seeking medical attention as the result of recent nail melanocytic lesions. This results in late diagnosis and a prognosis worse than cutaneous melanoma. We report a female, presenting with ulcerative lesions with clinical and laboratory features compatible with leishmaniasis. On return after treatment initiation a longitudinal melanonychia was observed on her first right finger. Biopsy of the nail matrix was performed. Histopathology was compatible with melanoma in situ. Longitudinal melanonychia is not a specific sign for melanoma and it is important that the dermatologist should identify the suspect lesions correctly. The incidental diagnosis of nail melanoma in situ in our case significantly impacted the patient's survival.

Melanoma Maligno é uma neoplasia de alta mortalidade, sendo raro o acometimento do aparelho ungueal. Apenas 2/3 dos pacientes procuram atendimento médico devido lesão melanocítica ungueal recente, tornando o diagnóstico tardio e com prognóstico pior que do melanoma cutâneo. Descreve-se um caso de paciente sexo feminino, apresentando lesões ulceradas com características clínico-laboratoriais compatíveis com leishmaniose tegumentar americana. No retorno após início do tratamento foi observada melanoníquia longitudinal no primeiro quirodáctilo direito. Realizada biópsia da matriz ungueal com histopatológico compatível com melanoma in situ. Melanoníquia longitudinal não é sinal específico de melanoma. A identificação das lesões suspeitas é importante tarefa dos dermatologistas. O diagnóstico incidental de melanoma ungueal in situ do caso relatado resultou em grande impacto na sobrevida da paciente.

Forensic onychology: An essential entity against crime.

Forensic Onychology (Greek word, Onuks = nail, Logia = study of) is the subject which deals with study of fingernails and toenails for better administration of justice in the court of law. Identification means determination of individuality of a person. Nails are important tissues for human identification. One of the major advantages of utilizing nail is that, in comparison with other tissues, sample size and sampling process can be considered relatively non invasive and non destructive and yet each nail retains a discrete record of detailed information on genetic inheritance, drug use, pathology, diet and location history as well as exposure to explosives residues or other pollutants. In contrast to soft tissues, nails survive relatively well in the decomposition environment. Furthermore, in contrast to other long lasting tissues (such as bone and teeth) nails are easy to decontaminate from external sources of DNA. Thus examination of nail is very useful in many ways against crime. In this paper, we discussed about structure and method of analysis of nail, utility of examination, drug use and nails and detection of DNA from nails.

Capilaroscopia periungueal em crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumáticas / Nailfold capillaroscopy in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capilaroscopia periungueal de crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumáticas autoimunes (artrite idiopática juvenil, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, dermatomiosite juvenil, esclerodermia e doença mista do tecido conjuntivo) e relacioná-la com comprometimentos clínico e laboratorial e atividade de doença. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal no qual foram avaliados 147 pacientes por meio de capilaroscopia periungueal: 60 com artrite idiopática juvenil, 30 com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, 30 com dermatomiosite juvenil, 20 com esclerodermia localizada, quatro com esclerodermia sistêmica e três com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Exames clínico, laboratorial e de capilaroscopia periungueal foram realizados em todos os pacientes. A capilaroscopia periungueal foi realizada com microscópio óptico com aumentos de 10 e 16 vezes pelo mesmo observador. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes avaliados (76,2%) apresentou capilaroscopia periungueal normal. As maiores alterações na capilaroscopia periungueal foram observadas nos pacientes com dermatomiosite juvenil, esclerodermia sistêmica e doença mista do tecido conjuntivo, e caracterizaram o padrão escleroderma. Não houve associação entre capilaroscopia periungueal e atividade de doença nos pacientes com artrite idiopática juvenil, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e esclerodermia localizada. Houve associação entre atividade da doença e alterações capilaroscópicas nos pacientes com dermatomiosite juvenil. CONCLUSÃO: A capilaroscopia periungueal é um método útil para o diagnóstico das doenças reumáticas autoimunes e para o acompanhamento de atividade de doença.

OBJECTIVE: To assess nailfold capillaroscopy in children and adolescents with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease) and relate it to clinical and laboratory findings and disease activity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing 147 patients by use of nailfold capillaroscopy as follows: 60 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis; 30 with systemic lupus erythematosus; 30 with juvenile dermatomyositis; 20 with localized scleroderma; four with systemic sclerosis; and three with mixed connective tissue disease. Clinical and laboratory tests and nailfold capillaroscopy were performed in all patients. The nailfold capillaroscopy was performed with an optical microscope (at 10- and 16-time magnifications) by the same observer. RESULTS: Most patients (76.2%) had normal nailfold capillaroscopy. The major changes in nailfold capillaroscopy, characterizing the scleroderma pattern, were observed in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis, systemic scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease. There was no association between nailfold capillaroscopy and disease activity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and localized scleroderma. Disease activity and capillaroscopy were associated in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis. CONCLUSION: Nailfold capillaroscopy is a useful method to diagnose autoimmune rheumatic diseases and monitor disease activity.

[Report of 34 cases of saprophytic fungi isolated from dystrophic nails of patients referred to Razi Hospital [2010 - 2011]]

Saprophytes are one of the agents causing nail dystrophy. Saprophytes can invade healthy nail or may invade nails previously damaged in the course of other diseases and grow with suitable conditions. The reported incidence of saprophytic nails is between 1.43-17.6%. Saprophytes preferably invade the nails on the big toes, especially in individuals above 60 years. The most etiologic agents of saprophyte nail are Aspergillus spp, Acremonium spp, Scopulariopsis spp, Penicillium spp, and fusarium. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence agents of saprophytic nails in patient that had referred to Razi hospital. This was a cross sectional study and nail samples were analyzed by direct microscopy and culture. Microscopic examination of these specimens was carried out in potassium hydroxide solution [20%]. These specimens were cultured on two media of sabourad dextrose Agar [S]. Czapek-Dox Agar [CZA] medium was used for identification of Aspergillus species. For investigation of relevance between the variables, Chi-square test and Fisher exact tests were used. In this study, 34 cases were positive by both direct microscopy and culture. Of those, 17 patients were females and 17 patients were males. The most frequently isolated saprophytes from nails was Aspergilus flavous [35.3%]. Meanwhile 58.8% of saprophytes were isolated from toe nails. In this study the distal subungual onychomycosis was the most frequent [% 64.7%]. The age group 50-59 years [29.4%] had the highest prevalence of saprophytic nail infections.In this study the prevalence of saprophytic nails infections was 17.2%. A proper diagnosis, consisting of both clinical and mycological examinations, may aid the clinician in selecting the most appropriate therapy. Knowledge of epidemiology and mycology characteristics of nail infections has been noted by many authors as being an important tool for control of these fungal infections

O uso da onicoabrasão como método de auxílio na obtenção de amostras para o diagnóstico da onicomicose

A onicomicose é uma infecção fúngica das unhas, correspondendo à cerca de 50% das onicopatias. A dificuldade de se estabelecer um diagnóstico clínico da onicomicose, somado ao fato do tratamento dessa patologia muitas vezes exigir o uso de antifúngicos sistêmicos, por longos períodos e potenciais efeitos colaterais, justificam a necessidade de se estabelecer o diagnóstico correto, com isolamento do agente causal. Atualmente, os exames mais utilizados para diagnóstico são a microscopia direta e a cultura fúngica. Esses métodos, no entanto, podem apresentar dificuldades técnicas, mesmo quando executados por profissionais experientes. A coleta das amostras é a fase mais crítica do diagnóstico da onicomicose. Normalmente, por desconhecimento ou dificuldade técnica, as amostras são coletadas da parte mais distal da unha, onde a viabilidade fúngica é baixa. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o uso da onicoabrasão (lixamento da unha) como método auxiliar na coleta de material para o diagnóstico de onicomicose, comparando com os resultados obtidos por meio da coleta tradicional. Trinta pacientes com suspeita clínica de onicomicose nos pés tiveram amostras da unha colhidas de 2 formas diferentes para exame. Primeiro, a coleta foi feita da forma tradicional, ou seja, da parte distal da unha. Depois, realizava-se a onicoabrasão da parte mais proximal da lesão e coleta das escamas dessa área abrasada. Ambas as amostras foram submetidas ao exame micológico direto e culturas. A análise dos resultados permitiu concluir que a onicoabrasão é um método auxiliar eficaz no diagnóstico da onicomicose, mostrando-se superior à técnica tradicional de coleta

O uso da onicoabrasão como método de auxílio na obtenção de amostras para o diagnóstico da onicomicose / The use of the method as onicoabrasão aid in obtaining samples for diagnosis of onychomycosis

A onicomicose é uma infecção fúngica das unhas, correspondendo à cerca de 50% das onicopatias. A dificuldade de se estabelecer um diagnóstico clínico da onicomicose, somado ao fato do tratamento dessa patologia muitas vezes exigir o uso de antifúngicos sistêmicos, por longos períodos e potenciais efeitos colaterais, justificam a necessidade de se estabelecer o diagnóstico correto, com isolamento do agente causal. Atualmente, os exames mais utilizados para diagnóstico são a microscopia direta e a cultura fúngica. Esses métodos, no entanto, podem apresentar dificuldades técnicas, mesmo quando executados por profissionais experientes. A coleta das amostras é a fase mais crítica do diagnóstico da onicomicose. Normalmente, por desconhecimento ou dificuldade técnica, as amostras são coletadas da parte mais distal da unha, onde a viabilidade fúngica é baixa. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o uso da onicoabrasão (lixamento da unha) como método auxiliar na coleta de material para o diagnóstico de onicomicose, comparando com os resultados obtidos por meio da coleta tradicional. Trinta pacientes com suspeita clínica de onicomicose nos pés tiveram amostras da unha colhidas de 2 formas diferentes para exame. Primeiro, a coleta foi feita da forma tradicional, ou seja, da parte distal da unha. Depois, realizava-se a onicoabrasão da parte mais proximal da lesão e coleta das escamas dessa área abrasada. Ambas as amostras foram submetidas ao exame micológico direto e culturas. A análise dos resultados permitiu concluir que a onicoabrasão é um método auxiliar eficaz no diagnóstico da onicomicose, mostrando-se superior à técnica tradicional de coleta

Melanoma subungueal in situ: reporte de dos casos / Subungual melanoma in situ: report of two cases

El melanoma subungueal es un tipo infrecuente de melanoma lentiginoso acral, con una proporción media de 0.7%a 3,5%, más frecuente en personas con fototipo de piel oscuras. Se presentan dos casos de melanoma subungueal insitu atendidos en el servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional PNP æLuis N. SáenzÆ, Lima, Perú. El primer caso corresponde a una paciente de 60 años, con tiempo de enfermedad de cinco años caracterizado por melanoniquia y signo de Hutchinson en el primer dedo de la mano derecha. El segundo caso es de un paciente de 59 años, con tiempo de enfermedad de cuatro años, caracterizado por cambio progresivo de coloración de la uña del segundo dedo de maño derecha. La histopatología informó en ambos pacientes el diagnóstico de melanoma in situ, y ambos pacientes fueron sometidos a amputación de la falange distal.

Subungual melanoma is an infrequent type of Lentiginous acral melanoma, with a media proportion of 0,7% to 3,5%, more frequent in dark-skinned fototypes. We present two cases of subungual melanoma attended at Dermatology Service of Hospital Nacional PNP æLuis N. SaenzÆ, Lima, Peru. The first is a 60 years-old female,with a lesion for the past 5 years, characterized by melanonychia and HutchinsonÆs sign of the first right finger. The second one is a 59 years-old patient with progressive change in coloration of the nail for the past 4 years, in the second finger of his right hand. The histopathology informed that both patients had the diagnosis of melanoma in situ, and both of them under went surgical removal of the distal phalanx.

Nailfold capilloroscopy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive technique to recognize peripheral microangiopathy, which is an important feature in SLE. To study the prevalence of nailfold capillaroscopy [NFC] changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], find out the patterns of these changes and to correlate these findings with different clinical and laboratory parameters. Forty patients with SLE, all fulfilling the 1997 revised criteria for the classification of SLE were included. All patients included in this study were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations as well as nailfold capillaroscopy [NFC] examination. The prevalence of nailfold capilloroscopic [NFC] changes in SLE patients was 75%. Nailfold capillaroscopic abnormalities were significantly more frequent in SLE patients than in controls [P < 0.05]. Different abnormal NFC changes were seen with the meandering pattern more frequently seen. The afferent and efferent capillary loops diameters were significantly increased in the SLE patients than in the control group [P < 0.05]. Some of the NFC abnormalities showed statistical significant correlations with different clinical and laboratory parameters. Capillary loop afferent and efferent diameters were significantly correlated with disease duration [P < 0.05] as well as the occurrence of digital gangrene [P < 0.05]. Also the capillary loop afferent diameter was found to be correlated with the intake of cyclophosphamide [P < 0.05]. Significant microcirculatory changes occur in systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients as proved by the high prevalence of capillary abnormalities in lupus patients compared to controls by means of nailfold capillaroscopy. Some nailfold capillaroscopy changes e.g. meandering capillaries may complete picture of SLE diagnosis. Duration of SLE disease may have an impact on microcirculation of these patients. The presence of some nailfold capillaroscopy changes in SLE patients may be an alarming sign to fatal ischemia of the digits

Enfermedad de Darier / Darier`s Disease

La enfermedad de Darier es un desorden de herencia autosómica dominante infrecuente, caracterizado por pápulas foliculares y perifoliculares y placas queratósicas distribuidas en áreas seborreicas que generalmente se manifiesta en la adolescencia. Se acompaña, además, de compromiso ungueal y mucoso. Se presentan tres pacientes con un cuadro clínico e histopatológico compatible con enfermedad de Darier evaluados en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”entre agosto de 1988 y mayo de 2010.La media de las edades al momento del diagnóstico fue de 11,33 años. La totalidad de los pacientes presentó manifestaciones cutáneas y ungueales características de la enfermedad. El 100% de los pacientes recibió tratamiento con emolientes, y a dos de ellos se les asoció retinoides tópicos, ácido láctico y/o urea. Es importante recordar que ante un paciente con estas características clínicas debe sospecharse esta enfermedad para poder instaurar un tratamiento oportuno.