1.Pachyonychia congenita affecting only the nails: A case report.
Marcia Marie S. Marte-Jimenez ; Krisinda Clare Dim-Jamora ; Maria Jasmin J. Jamora
Journal of the Philippine Medical Association 2019;98(1):91-94
INTRODUCTION:
The nails have many functions for daily life including protection of the digits against different
kinds of trauma. The nail apparatus is composed of multiple kinds of keratins. Defects in keratin may produce
several genodermatoses, which include Pachyonychia congenita. This is a rare genodermatosis that is either
automosal dominant or sporadic. The usual involved keratins are KRT6a, KRT6b, KRT6C, Kl 6 and Kl 7. Keratin
defects may manifest on the hair, mucosa, skin and nails. Different presentations of each patient depends on the
involved mutated keratins, In rare cases, nail dystrophy may be the only manifestation of the keratin defect.
CASE SUMMARY:
A 23 -year-old female presented with a 13-year-history of nail thickening on both fingernails
and toenails with no other associated symptoms. She denied oral and skin lesions. She had been unsuccessfully
treated with both oral and topical antifungals by several dermatologists. No family members have any similar
conditions. She admitted to having hoarseness. On physical examination, nails of both hands and feet marked
subungual hyperkeratosis, yellowish to brown- gray discoloration and hypercurvature and rough surface of all
20 nails. The histopathology report revealed marked compact hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, papillomatosis
and acanthosis. Fungal culture and PAS stain revealed no fungal elements. Patient responded well to nail avulsion
and good nail regrowth was noted. She plans treatment of all nails with avulsion.
CONCLUSION
Thorough history, physical examination and histology may help confirm the diagnosis of
Pachyonychia congenita, which at times may be mistaken for other nail problems. Treatment is based upon the
clinical presentation of the patient. Prognosis for life is good but complications such as infections should be
properly addressed.