Microgeodic Disease Affecting the Fingers and Toes in Childhood: A Case Report

Abstract

Microgeodic disease is a disease of unknown etiology that affects the fingers and toes of children, with ≥ 90% of cases involving the fingers alone. We present a rare case of microgeodic disease affecting an index finger and two toes simultaneously in a 7-year-old girl. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple small areas of osteolysis in the middle phalanges of the left index finger, hallux, and second toe. Microgeodic disease was diagnosed from X-ray and MRI findings, and conservative therapy involving rest and avoidance of cold stimuli was provided. Although pathological fractures occurred in the course of conservative treatment, the affected finger healed under splinting without any deformity of the finger.

Microgeodic disease in an older woman

“…2,5 However, rare complications including pathological fracture and subsequent malunion have been reported. 3,6 In summary, the present case demonstrated that microgeodic disease can occur even in older individuals. When chilblain-like symptoms persist, microgeodic disease should be considered in a differential diagnosis to prevent complications and unnecessary treatment.…”

“…The details of this survey are given in a previous study. 6 The present study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (No, 1534). Attitudes toward PWD's social participation were measured using two questions:…”

“…Microgeodic disease is an uncommon disorder characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the fingers or toes and is usually associated with cold exposure. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The disease mostly affects children up to 15 years old. Only five cases have been reported in adults, 1,5,7,9 and the onset in older people is particularly rare.…”

Microgeodic disease in an infant

“…Treatment for microgeodic disease is largely supportive, aimed at keeping the patient warm and dry 1 13. As in our case, this involves avoiding exposure to the cold by wearing layered clothing and keeping peripheries covered.…”

“…Similarly, treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and other unnecessary pharmacotherapies can be avoided with appropriate diagnosis. Once recognised, the majority of cases will heal spontaneously without residual deformity, however, rare complications include pathological fracture and subsequent malunion 11 13 14…”