A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Clubbing
Clubbing
Clubbed fingers
Clubbed fingers

Clubbing of the fingers or toes
Definition:
A broadening and thickening of the fingers or toes (distal phalanx) with increased lengthwise curvature and curvature of the tip of the nail, with flattening of the angle between the cuticle and nail.

Alternative Names:
Clubbing; Osteoarthropathy; Pulmonary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

Considerations:
Clubbing is associated with a wide number of diseases, although it is most often noted in diseases of the heart and lungs that cause decreased blood oxygen and skin blueness (cyanosis) or lung cancer. Clubbing can also be associated with other diseases such as diseases of the liver and the gastrointestinal tract. It may also occur in families without signifying an underlying disease.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
There is no specific treatment for the clubbing itself. Home care depends on the specific diagnosis.
Call your health care provider if:
  • you notice clubbing. However, this is a relatively late symptom, and other earlier symptoms have usually occurred that require the attention of your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
A person with clubbing generally has other symptoms and signs (usually heart and lung disease) that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on the family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Medical history questions documenting clubbing in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • When did you first notice this?
  • location
    • Does it affect the fingers, toes, or both?
  • quality
    • Has it been becoming more noticeable?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Is there any breathing difficulty?
    • Is the skin ever bluish colored?
The physical examination may include thorough assessment of the chest and breathing.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:After seeing your health care provider, you may want to add a diagnosis related to clubbing to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 2/12/2002
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com