Acroosteolysis presenting with brachyonychia following exposure to cold.

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.