Yellow Nail Syndrome in Which Intranodal Lymphangiography Contributed to the Diagnosis

Intern Med. 2021 Nov 15;60(22):3599-3603. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6499-20. Epub 2021 Jun 5.

Abstract

Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disease comprising the clinical triad of yellow nail discoloration, pleural effusion, and lower limb lymphedema. We encountered a difficult-to-treat case of YNS in which the diagnosis was finally made based on intranodal lymphangiography. An 84-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with pleural effusion and yellow-green discoloration of the nails, accompanied by onychomycosis and limb lymphedema. Intranodal lymphangiography revealed a slow contrast flow and narrowing of the thoracic duct, suggesting lymphatic duct dysplasia and leading to the diagnosis of YNS.

Keywords: intranodal lymphangiography; yellow nail syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphography
  • Male
  • Nail Diseases*
  • Pleural Effusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Effusion* / etiology
  • Thoracic Duct
  • Yellow Nail Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Yellow Nail Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging