Despite the enormous involvement of imaging tools in medicine, a focused physical examination still plays a pivotal role in all medical fields. During and after taking history, a detailed inspection and examination of the patient will direct to further key diagnostic tools. A wealth of information can be gained from shaking hands and examining the hands at the same time. This part of the examination, and in particular the examination of the nails, is often neglected, although it is simple to notice if the hands are warm and well perfused or sweaty and to examine the color of the nails. In some cases, nail shapes are directive for the diagnosis, such as clubbed fingers in pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders. This short report describes 2 patients with different systemic diseases but developing similar nail changes. The early recognition of this nail abnormality could have led to earlier treatment.To read this article in its entirety, please visit our website.
— Amir M. Nia, MS, Stefan Ederer, MS, Kristina M. Dahlem, MS, Natig Gassanov, MD, Fikret Er, MD
This article originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
