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Author: Supriya Goyal, MD, Consulting Dermatologist

Supriya Goyal is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha

Coauthor(s): Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Professor of Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Pathology, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School; Gregory M Richards, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Instructor of Radiotherapy Technology (RT 412), University of Wisconsin; Rajiv Goyal, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Radiology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center

Editors: Michelle Pelle, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego; David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Director, Division of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic; Director Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic; Van Perry, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center; Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University; William D James, MD, Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Author and Editor Disclosure

Synonyms and related keywords: primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, idiopathic hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, hereditary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, Touraine-Solente-Gole syndrome, osteoarthropathy, PDP, pachydermia

Background

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is divided into primary and secondary forms. Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), the primary form, accounts for 5% of all cases of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, also called pulmonary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is associated with underlying cardiopulmonary diseases and malignancies. This latter condition is not discussed here but may be found in the article Dermatologic Manifestations of Pulmonary Disease.

PDP is a rare hereditary disorder that was first described in 1868. It is characterized by digital clubbing, pachydermia (thickening of the facial skin and/or scalp), and periostosis (swelling of periarticular tissue and subperiosteal new bone formation). PDP is associated with pain, polyarthritis, cutis verticis gyrata, seborrhea, eyelid ptosis, and hyperhidrosis. Touraine et al described 3 forms of PDP: (1) a complete form with pachydermia and periostitis, (2) an incomplete form with evidence of bone abnormalities but lacking pachydermia, and (3) a forme fruste with prominent pachydermia and minimal-to-absent skeletal changes.

Frequency

United States

PDP is a rare disorder, and the precise incidence is unknown.

Mortality/Morbidity

  • Although progression of PDP typically ceases after 5-20 years, the disorder can result in significant morbidity. Patients may develop disabilities, which include severe kyphosis, restricted motion, and neurologic manifestations.
  • Life expectancy may be normal, except in cases in which severe mental impairment is involved.

Race

PDP is more common in African Americans than in whites.

Sex

The male-to-female case ratio is approximately 7:1.

  • Typically, men are affected more severely than women.
  • Women often have milder findings, and their disease may remain undetected.

Age

PDP typically begins during childhood or adolescence and progresses gradually over the next 5-20 years before stabilizing.



History

Patients may complain of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Enlargement of the fingers and the toes
  • Swelling or pain of the large joints
  • Coarsening of facial features
  • Grooves or depressions in the scalp
  • Oily, scaly facial skin
  • Excessive sweating of the palms, soles, or other areas
  • A sensation of warmth or burning in the hands and feet

Physical

Skin, hair, and nail examination may reveal the following:

  • Digital clubbing and/or paronychial thickening may be observed.
  • Coarse facial features may be reminiscent of acromegaly. Facial skin changes may include sclerodermoid thickening and furrowing of the skin on the forehead and the cheeks. Leonine facies may occur in advanced stages.
  • Cutis verticis gyrata (undulating grooved and thickened scalp) may become apparent during adolescence.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis of the face and the scalp may be present.
  • Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis or generalized hyperhidrosis characterized by shiny and/or wet skin may be observed.
  • Dermatitis of the hands and the feet may be associated with hyperhidrosis.
  • Bilateral blepharoptosis may be present.
  • Facial acne may be present.

Causes

PDP is often familial. It is believed to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable penetrance; however, autosomal recessive forms have been reported. PDP has been associated in case reports with a variety of other disorders, including the following:

  • Gastrointestinal pathology, including gastric carcinoma, Crohn disease, peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and Ménétrièr disease
  • Myelofibrosis
  • Gynecomastia
  • Compressive neuropathy
  • Hypoplastic internal genitalia
  • Psoriatic onychopathy
  • Periodontal and alveolar bone abnormalities
  • Spondylolisthesis of the L5-S1 vertebrae
  • Congenital cardiac disease



Acromegaly

Other Problems to be Considered

Rosenfeld-Kloepfer syndrome, a variant of PDP, is characterized by enlargement of the mandible and/or the maxilla; large hands, feet, nose, lips, and tongue; prominence of the upper part of the forehead; cutis verticis gyrata; and corneal leukoma.

Currarino idiopathic osteoarthropathy is a juvenile incomplete form of PDP characterized by eczema and wide cranial sutures.

A variant form of PDP restricted to the lower extremities in the absence of digital clubbing or typical skin changes has been described. It affected 3 members of a single family and was characterized by pain, swelling, and hyperhidrosis of both feet. Radiographs revealed bony changes consistent with PDP.

Secondary hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy must be excluded.

Thyroid acropachy may cause diagnostic confusion. Unlike PDP, thyroid acropachy is not painful.

Syphilitic periostosis can result in bony changes and symptoms similar to those seen in PDP.



Lab Studies

  • Thyrotropin and growth hormone levels should be examined to exclude thyroid acropachy and acromegaly. RPR and VDRL should be checked if there is any suspicion of syphilitic periostotosis.

Imaging Studies

  • Radiographs of the long bones reveal subperiosteal new bone formation, which is a characteristic radiologic feature. This feature is mainly seen in the distal tibia; the fibula; the radius; the ulna; the metacarpals; the phalanges; and, less frequently, the metatarsals. Acro-osteolysis and ossification of the ligaments and interosseus membranes may also occur.
  • Other radiographic abnormalities include the following:
    • Cortical thickening without narrowing of the medullary cavity
    • Enlargement of the paranasal sinuses
  • Radionucleotide bone imaging (bone scan) findings in patients with PDP demonstrate increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the diaphyses and the metaphyses of long bones along the cortical margins.
    • Uptake may result from hyperemia occurring prior to subperiosteal proliferation.
    • Periarticular regions may also have increased uptake because of associated synovitis.
    • Scintigraphic findings (such as those described above) often precede changes noted on radiographs.
  • Bone scan abnormalities, found in 15% of patients, less commonly may involve the mandible, the maxilla, the clavicles, the scapulae, and the patellae.



Medical Care

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may alleviate the polyarthritis associated with PDP.

Surgical Care

  • Vagotomy may improve the articular pain and swelling associated with PDP.
  • Plastic surgery may improve the appearance of the face and scalp by excising redundant skin and correcting the cutis verticis gyrata. Bilateral blepharoplasties, tarsal wedge resections, excision of skin furrows, and facial rhytidectomy have been described as methods of providing cosmetic improvement.



The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

Drug Category: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These medications have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action in PDP is not known. In general, NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist; these include inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell membrane functions.

Drug NameIbuprofen (Ibuprin, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin IB)
DescriptionDOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult Dose400 mg PO q4-6h, 600 mg PO q6h, or 800 mg PO q8h while symptoms persist; not to exceed 3.2 g/d
Pediatric Dose20-70 mg/kg/d PO divided tid/qid; start at low end of dosing range and titrate; not to exceed 2.4 g/d
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI tract bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency; high risk of bleeding
InteractionsCoadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsCategory D in third trimester of pregnancy; caution in congestive heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function; caution in coagulation abnormalities or during anticoagulant therapy; may increase postoperative bleeding

Drug NameIndomethacin (Indocin, Indochron E-R)
DescriptionRapidly absorbed; metabolism occurs in liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation; inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult Dose25-50 mg PO bid/tid
75 mg SR PO bid; not to exceed 200 mg/d
Pediatric Dose1-2 mg/kg/d PO divided bid/qid; not to exceed 4 mg/kg/d or 150-200 mg/d
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; GI tract bleeding; renal insufficiency
InteractionsCoadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsCategory D in third trimester of pregnancy; acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur (discontinue if leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia persists)

Drug NameMeloxicam (Mobic)
DescriptionDecreases activity of cyclo-oxygenase, which, in turn, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. These effects decrease formation of inflammatory mediators.
Adult Dose7.5 mg/d PO; may increase to 15 mg/d PO
Pediatric DoseNot established
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; active GI tract bleeding
InteractionsCoadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity of NSAIDs; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
PregnancyC - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established.
PrecautionsCategory D in third trimester of pregnancy; acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; increases risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion; reversible leukopenia may occur (discontinue if leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia persists)

Drug NameCelecoxib (Celebrex)
DescriptionPrimarily inhibits COX-2. COX-2 is an isoenzyme induced during pain and inflammatory stimuli. Inhibition of COX-1 may contribute to NSAID GI tract toxicity. At therapeutic concentrations, the COX-1 isoenzyme is not inhibited, thus GI tract toxicity may be decreased. Seek lowest dose of celecoxib for each patient.
Adult Dose200 mg/d PO; alternatively, 100 mg PO bid
Pediatric DoseNot established
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsCoadministration with fluconazole may increase plasma concentrations because of inhibition of celecoxib metabolism; coadministration with rifampin may decrease plasma concentrations
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsCategory D in third trimester of pregnancy; may cause fluid retention and peripheral edema; caution in compromised cardiac function, hypertension, and conditions predisposing patients to fluid retention; caution in severe heart failure and hyponatremia because may deteriorate circulatory hemodynamics; NSAIDs may mask usual signs of infection; caution in presence of existing controlled infections; evaluate therapy when symptoms or laboratory results suggest liver dysfunction

Drug NameNaproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox)
DescriptionFor relief of mild to moderate pain; inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandin synthesis.
Adult Dose250-500 mg PO bid; may increase to 1.5 g/d for limited periods
Pediatric Dose<2 years: Not established
>2 years: 5-7 mg/kg/dose PO bid/tid; not to exceed 20 mg/kg/d or 1000 mg/d
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; peptic ulcer disease; recent GI tract bleeding or perforation; renal insufficiency
InteractionsCoadministration with aspirin increases risk of inducing serious NSAID-related adverse effects; probenecid may increase concentrations and, possibly, toxicity; may decrease effects of hydralazine, captopril, and beta-blockers; may decrease diuretic effects of furosemide and thiazides; may increase PT when taking anticoagulants (instruct patients to watch for signs of bleeding); may increase risk of methotrexate toxicity; phenytoin levels may be increased when administered concurrently
PregnancyB - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsCategory D in third trimester of pregnancy; acute renal insufficiency, interstitial nephritis, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal papillary necrosis may occur; patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised renal perfusion risk acute renal failure; leukopenia rarely occurs, is transient, and usually returns to normal during therapy; persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia warrants further evaluation and may require discontinuation of drug



Complications

  • Patients with PDP may develop severe kyphosis, restricted motion, and neurologic manifestations.

Prognosis

  • The progression of PDP typically ceases after 10 years, but patients may be left with chronic debilitating complications.

Patient Education

  • Genetic counseling should be offered to patients with PDP and their families. Although no chromosomal abnormality has been identified, a radiologic survey of relatives may be completed.



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Pachydermoperiostosis excerpt

Article Last Updated: Apr 14, 2006