Yellow Nail Syndrome Presenting With a Pericardial Effusion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a constellation of clinical findings including at least 2 of the 3 features of thickened yellow nails, respiratory tract involvement, and lymphedema. We report the case of a middle-aged man presenting with dystrophic, thickened yellow nails; an idiopathic pericardial effusion in the absence of pleural effusion(s); and unilateral apical bronchiectasis found on computed tomography of the chest. This represents a unique presentation of YNS as the first report of a patient with YNS and a pericardial effusion in the absence of pleural effusions and lymphedema and is the 11th case report of YNS with pericardial effusion.

Yellow Nail Syndrome in Black: A Diagnostic Challenge!

“…At the respiratory level, we have been described as rhino sinus involvement, fluid pleural effusions, dilation of the bronchi and pulmonary infiltrates [4,6,7] as is the case in our patient. Cases of pericardial involvement have also been described [8]. Not all symptoms may be present in patients, which may delay diagnosis.…”

Yellow nail syndrome in an elderly sudanese female: A case report

“…It affects both sexes equally, with an age of more than 40 years being typical 2 . The exact pathogenesis remains unclear but lymphatic system anatomical and functional abnormalities remain the predominant theory, while other hypotheses suggest autoimmune, cancer, and paraneoplastic roles 3 . Also, a very rare familial case has been reported 1 …”

“…1 The common nail changes that have been described include nail discoloration (pale yellow to dark green), nail hyperkeratosis with loss of the lunula, onycholysis, proximal nail-fold erythema over curvature, cross-ridging, very hard and difficult-to-trim nail, increased nail thickness, and slowed longitudinal growth. 1,3 Respiratory manifestations that are encountered include pleural effusion, bronchiectasis, chronic cough, and frequent sinusitis. 1 The condition may resolve spontaneously especially when it is paraneoplastic or cancerous.…”

Yellow Nail Syndrome In an Elderly Sudanese Female: A Case Report

“…It affects both sex equally, with age of more than 40 years is typical (2). The exact pathogenesis remains unclear but lymphatic system anatomical and functional abnormalities remain as the predominant theory, while other hypotheses suggest autoimmune, cancer and paraneoplastic roles (3). Also a very rare familial case has been reported (1).…”

“…The latter occurs in up to 80% of cases and may be the first sign (1). The common Nail changes that have been described include nail discoloration (pale yellow to dark green), nail hyperkeratosis with loss of the lunula, onycholysis, proximal nail-fold erythema over curvature, cross-ridging, very hard and difficult-to-trim nail , increased nail thickness, and slowed longitudinal growth (1,3). Respiratory manifestations that are encountered include pleural effusion, bronchiectasis, chronic cough and frequent sinusitis (1).The condition may resolve spontaneously especially when it is paraneoplastic or cancerous (1).…”