Objective: Hypervascularization in finger clubbing is recognized, but its microanatomical basis remains unclear. This pilot descriptive study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore this further.
Methods: High-resolution MRI acquired with contrast agent was carried out in 4 patients with finger clubbing and 4 healthy volunteers. The anatomy of the nail bed, capsular structures, and bony changes were described.
Results: Marked nail bed thickening and contrast enhancement was noted in all clubbed fingers, with bone edema in 3 of the 4 patients. None of the healthy subjects had similar abnormalities.
Conclusion: This confirms that hypervascularization of the nail bed observed in the microanatomy on high-resolution MRI is associated with clubbed appearances of the nails.
Keywords: CANCER; FINGER CLUBBING; LUNG; MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING; NAIL; RESPIRATORY.