Ann Dermatol.  2014 Jun;26(3):374-376.

A Case of Acquired Idiopathic Pterygium Inversum Unguis

• Baek JH
• Kim HS
• Park YM
• Kim HO
• Cho BK
• Lee JY

Abstract

Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is a rare nail abnormality in which the distal nail bed adheres to the ventral surface of the nail plate, with obliteration of the distal groove. Because of the rarity of this condition, its exact origin is unknown. This disorder can be either congenital or acquired, with or without a family history. The acquired forms may be idiopathic or secondary to systemic connective tissue diseases or other causes such as stroke, neurofibromatosis, leprosy, or the use of nail fortifiers. We present an unusual case of acquired idiopathic PIU of the 10 fingernails in a 22-year-old man.

Keyword

Malformed nails; Pterygium inversum unguis

MeSH Terms

Connective Tissue Diseases
Humans
Leprosy
Nails
Nails, Malformed
Neurofibromatoses
Pterygium*
Stroke
Young Adult

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Fingers showing adherence of the distal portion of the nail bed to the ventral surface of the nail plate with an abnormal elevated onychodermal band.

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