Dystrophy of the Nails. Presented by Dr.Claud W. Behn and Dr.John H. Besancon.
M. N. a well developed, healthy boy of 13 years, stated that about eighteen months prior to this presentation the nails of his fingers and toes became rough, markedly thinned and very friable. All of the nails were involved simultaneously. The condition was persistent, with occasional intervals of apparent improvement. There were no other ectodermal abnormalities.
The patient had six brothers and sisters, all healthy, and none of them presented a similar condition. The Wassermann reaction was negative. The basal metabolic rate was —17. The calcium content of the blood was 10.8 mg. per hundred cubic centimeters, and the phosphorus content, 3.6 mg.
DISCUSSION
Dr.William G. Wander: One year ago I presented a girl, aged 5 years, whose nails had been hypertrophic since birth and in whom the condition cleared up under endocrine therapy.