Korean J Fam Med.  2015 Mar;36(2):113-120. 10.4082/kjfm.2015.36.2.113.

Great Toenail Dystrophy: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature

• Kim M
• Kang JH
• Cho BK
• Song CH
• Ock SM
• Park HJ

• KMID: 2304130
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2015.36.2.113

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There have been a few reported cases of congenital great toenail dystrophy (GTND), described as a congenital malalignment of the great toenails. However, acquired GTDN is rare, and has not been documented extensively. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of 21 patients with acquired GTND.
METHODS
Twenty-one patients with acquired GTND who visited Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital between June 2005 and August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
The mean patient age was 43.1 years (range, 17 to 88 years), and the cohort predominantly comprised women (18/21). In our experience, all acquired GTND patients presented with yellow or yellow-brownish chromonychia, onychotrophy, and onycholysis. Conservative treatment with tape methods and grinding, as well as nail extraction, was provided and yielded little improvement in any case.
CONCLUSION
This study provides initial data on the nail changes affecting the great toenail, such as yellowish chromonychia, onychomadesis, and onycholysis. These data may help physicians to distinguish various nail disorders, including onychomycosis, congenital malalignment of the great toenails, and yellow nail syndrome.

Keyword

Great Toenail Dystrophy; Yellow Nail Syndrome; Onychomadesis; Onychomycosis; Retronychia

MeSH Terms

Cohort Studies
Female
Humans
Nails*
Onycholysis
Onychomycosis
Retrospective Studies
Yellow Nail Syndrome