Related Experiment Videos
Longitudinal nail biopsy: utility in 20-nail dystrophy
Chander Grover1, Sujay Khandpur, Belum Siva Nagi Reddy
1Department of Dermatology, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, 11/15 Nehru Nagar, New Delhi 110065, India. chander-groverkubba@rediffmail.com
Summary
Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is a common nail disorder, often seen in children. Longitudinal nail biopsy aids diagnosis but carries scarring risks, so it
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nail Pathology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is an inflammatory nail unit disorder.
- Frequently observed in childhood, TND is a manifestation of various nail pathologies.
- Previous reports show varied associations and histopathologic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical and histopathologic profile of TND.
- To determine the utility of longitudinal nail biopsy (LNB) in diagnosing TND.
- To evaluate the efficacy of nail unit biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Clinical screening of 32 consecutive TND patients.
- Histopathologic evaluation of skin and longitudinal nail biopsies.
- Assessment of nail unit biopsy efficacy.
Main Results:
- Young males (10-20 years) were most affected (52%).
- Alopecia areata was the most common associated dermatosis (22%).
- LNB identified psoriasis or lichen planus in 52% of cases; others showed nonspecific changes (spongiotic trachyonychia).
- Scarring was a significant risk of LNB (28% of patients).
Conclusions:
- The study outlines the clinical profile and associations of TND.
- Nail biopsy is diagnostically useful for obscure TND cases.
- Routine biopsy is not recommended for benign TND; it's a simple, useful procedure.
- Scarring risk necessitates careful consideration of LNB.