Pseudoainhum Associated With Linear Scleroderma

Abstract

Since the first comprehensive description of ainhum by da Silva Lima in 1880,¹there have been several individual reports of digital constrictions with eventual progression to spontaneous amputation. These conditions were classified by Wells and Robinson²into 4 classes: (1) ainhum, (2) congenital bands, (3) ainhumlike bands associated with other diseases, and (4) bands secondary to trauma. Neumann³later used the term<i>pseudoainhum</i>to distinguish the latter 3 categories from the specific entity, ainhum. The term<i>ainhum</i>or<i>dactylolysis spontanea</i>is restricted to spontaneous occurrence of a painful annular constriction predominantly in the fifth toe of the black adult. Various seemingly unrelated disorders have been associated with pseudoainhum. We report a case of pseudoainhum associated with linear scleroderma. <h3>Report of a Case.</h3> A 27-year-old Korean man presented with a history of spontaneous amputation of a digit following progressive tightening of the skin over the left upper limb.