We describe a child with a 6-month history of onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, and hemorrhages in most of her fingernails and toenails. Nail involvement preceded the identification of osteolytic lesions at the mastoid on a cranial computed tomography scan, which was performed because of repeated episodes of acute otitis media. Some weeks later, a small number of erythematous papules developed over the trunk and face. The diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was made by histopathologic examination of bone, skin, and bed and matrix nail biopsies. Response to treatment with vinblastine and prednisone was excellent. Nail changes in Langerhans cell histiocytosis are extremely uncommon, particularly as the presenting manifestation of the disease. The role of nail involvement as an unfavorable prognostic sign is unclear.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.