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Digital clubbing: a unique case and a new hypothesis
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|January 1, 1979
Summary
A unique case of unilateral digital clubbing caused by an ulnar artery aneurysm resolved after surgical repair. This suggests a neurocirculatory reflex may cause clubbing in various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Digital clubbing is a complex condition with various potential causes.
- Ulnar artery aneurysms are rare but can lead to significant vascular complications.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unilateral digital clubbing secondary to a true post-traumatic ulnar artery aneurysm.
- Clubbing resolved completely after surgical resection of the aneurysm.
Findings:
- Detailed vascular studies revealed increased blood flow, decreased peripheral resistance, and increased oxygenation in the affected limb.
- These findings support the hypothesis of a neurocirculatory reflex mechanism in digital clubbing.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare cause of digital clubbing and its successful treatment.
- The proposed neurocirculatory reflex offers a unifying explanation for diverse clubbing etiologies.
- Further research into this reflex could inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for digital clubbing.