Ainhum - A Rare Case Report

Ainhum (Dactylolysis Spontanea): A Rare Cause of Consult in Dermatology- A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…The etiology of ainhum is unknown; however, it has related with genetic, infectious, mechanical or inflammatory factors [3,4]. It is believed that ainhum is a skin disorder produced due to a genetic predisposition and fibroplasia that result in a progressive constrictive band as a response to external stimuli such as trauma and infections mainly syphilis and Hansen's disease, these last ruled out in our patient [6].…”

“…The main differential diagnosis is with pseudo-ainhum, an auto-amputation of the digits that results of an identifiable or associated disease process and is independent of race. Two spectra of pseudo-ainhum has been described: the primary pseudo-ainhum, characterized by a congenital condition presented in the first ages [2] as a result of an identifiable or associated process; and the secondary pseudo-ainhum, characterized by presentation in later in life and associated with keratodermia also named Vohwinkel Syndrome [9], trauma, Hansen's disease, scleroderma, atypical keratoderma, syringomelia, syphilis, vascular or diabetic gangrene [3].…”

“…The men are affected more frequently than female with a relation of 2:1, and more prevalent in individuals on barefoot [7]. Ainhum has higher incidence in tropical and subtropical areas among of 0.015% to 3% [3]. In Colombia, there are few reports published, three cases has been reported by Uribe in 1940 and Vélez in 1992 [8], this is the fourth Colombian case reported.…”

“…caused by a circular fibrotic constrictive band affecting the digits that result in progressive ischemia and auto amputation [3]. Ainhum may affect any hand fingers [4] or toes [5], commonly the affected digit is the fifth toe and usually this compromise is bilateral [3]. The affected population is African descendent individuals between 20 to 79 years old with a mean age of 52 years [6].…”

“…The pain and discomfort was improved without any important disability posterior to the distal amputation of affected digit. caused by a circular fibrotic constrictive band affecting the digits that result in progressive ischemia and auto amputation [3]. Ainhum may affect any hand fingers [4] or toes [5], commonly the affected digit is the fifth toe and usually this compromise is bilateral [3].…”