Pachydermodactyly: Soft Tissue Enlargement of the Fingers in a Teenager

Cureus. 2023 Jul 15;15(7):e41923. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41923. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is an uncommon and benign digital fibromatosis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by a fusiform swelling of the medial and lateral sides of the fingers, with unspecific histopathological features of an increased number of fibroblasts, collagen, and mucin deposit in the dermis. Due to its rarity, PDD could be misdiagnosed as rheumatic arthropathies, which could lead to unnecessary immunosuppressant treatments. Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented progressive and asymptomatic soft tissue enlargement of multiple fingers in both hands. The histopathological study and X-ray findings correlated with PDD diagnosis. Intralesional corticoid treatment was indicated with a mild improvement.

Keywords: digital fibromatosis; fusiform swelling of the fingers; pachydermodactyly; pediatric dermatology; soft tissue enlargement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports