Transverse leukonychia in severe hypocalcemia

Eur J Dermatol. 2004 Jan-Feb;14(1):67-8.

Abstract

We report the case of a 26-year-old man with acral tetany and muscular cramps of the upper limbs associated with hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism and celiac disease. Physical examination revealed a transverse leukonychia which disappeared after treatment with calcium lactogluconate, calcium carbonate and calcitriol. Hypocalcemia may induce nail alterations with a double mechanism represented by angiospasm and disorganization of the hard keratin and of the integrin subunits.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcitriol / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Carbonate / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gluconates / therapeutic use
  • Hand
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / complications*
  • Hypocalcemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoparathyroidism / complications*
  • Hypoparathyroidism / diagnosis*
  • Hypopigmentation / complications*
  • Hypopigmentation / diagnosis
  • Hypopigmentation / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Nail Diseases / complications*
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nail Diseases / drug therapy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Gluconates
  • lactogluconic acid
  • Calcitriol
  • Calcium Carbonate