Cutaneous amputation of the terminal phalanges in syringomyelia

• Published in: Dermatology (Basel) Vol. 189; no. 2; p. 185
• Main Authors: Tosti, A, Peluso, A M, Morelli, R, D'Alessandro, R, Favaro, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-1994
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Fingers; Hand Deformities, Acquired - diagnostic imaging; Hand Deformities, Acquired - etiology; Hand Dermatoses - diagnostic imaging; Hand Dermatoses - etiology; Humans; Osteolysis, Essential - diagnostic imaging; Osteolysis, Essential - etiology; Radiography; Recurrence; Syringomyelia - complications
• ISSN: 1018-8665
• DOI: 10.1159/000246829

We describe a 30-year-old woman with syringomyelia, who developed recurrent painless whitlows of the left hand that led to amputation of the terminal phalanx of the 4th finger and considerable shortening of the terminal phalanges of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th fingers. A roentgenogram of the left hand showed a complete resorption of the terminal phalanges of the 3rd, 4th and 5th fingers and partial resorption of the terminal phalanx of the 2nd finger. Although the defective sensory function undoubtedly contributes to the development of bone resorption by facilitating mechanical repetitive injuries and infections, impaired vasomotor function possibly plays an equally important role.