Dupuytren contracture as a sign of systemic disease

Abstract

Dupuytren contracture (DC) is predominantly an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hypertrophy and contraction of the palmar fascia that results in tethered flexion of the affected digits. It has its highest prevalence in the North European population or in people of Viking descent, and its incidence is growing with age. DC shares a common inheritance mode, predisposing factors, comorbidities, pathophysiology, and evolution with Ledderhose disease, Garrod knuckle pads, and Peyronie disease. Nonmelanoma skin cancer also has a higher incidence in the population of North European phenotype and apparently a common genetic polymorphism. Psoriasis shares many risk factors and comorbidities with DC and has a higher prevalence in patients with DC. We suggest a close relationship among DC, some skin malignancies, and psoriasis. Regular monitoring for those skin diseases in all patients with DC is highly recommended.