Longitudinal Banded Pigmentation of Nails Following Adrenalectomy for Cushing's Syndrome

Abstract

INCREASED pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes has been associated for many years with hypersecretion of corticotropin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Involvement of the integumentary appendages has attracted less attention. The two cases cited in this communication show that characteristic and striking alterations in pigmentation of nails may also occur when the melanocytes are stimulated very intensely.Case ReportCase 1. P.H. (Y-NHH 48–98–00), a 22-year-old white woman, was first seen at the Yale–New Haven Hospital in 1958 because of heartburn and irregular bowel habits. Examination revealed the typical physical features of Cushing's syndrome. Overproduction of cortisol was documented. Radiographs . . .