A Case of Pachydermodactyly

ABSTRACT

Pachydermodactyly is a form of digital dermal fibromatosis of unknown etiology, characterized by asymptomatic soft tissue swelling on the lateral aspects of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands. It usually affects young men and often associated with repetitive mechanical trauma. As a rule, it is a benign condition and a specific therapy or extensive investigation is not necessary in most cases. However, pachydermodactyly is not well recognized by physician. So it can be confused with other rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A prompt diagnosis is crucial for preventing inappropriate or possible toxic treatment. We describe a case of pachydermodactyly in a 20-year-old military man, who had painless swellings of the hand joints.