Reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails in a patient with a TERT variant-associated telomere biology disorder

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Sep 3. doi: 10.1111/pde.15735. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Telomere biology disorders (TBD) are a complex set of inherited illnesses characterized by short telomeres. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC), which is now considered a severe TBD phenotype, is characterized by reticulated pigmentary changes, nail dystrophy, premalignant oral leukoplakia, and systemic involvement. This case describes a 2-year-old female with reticulated pigmentary changes and Terry's nails who was found to have a TERT variant and short telomeres; she lacked other mucocutaneous and systemic features of TBD. This report describes a unique clinical presentation of TBD and highlights the importance of upholding suspicion for TBD in individuals with limited or subtle features of classic DC.

Keywords: Terry's nails; dyskeratosis congenita; leukonychia; reticulate pigmentary disorders; telomere biology disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports