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Terry’s Lines

Writer's picture: EditorEditor

Updated: Sep 21, 2024

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL



Terry’s lines are whitish horizontal bands that traverse the nail, typically affecting all nails except the thumbs. These lines may indicate systemic changes and are associated with various medical conditions. Below is a brief description of this clinical sign, suggested complementary tests, and a table listing the pathologies that can produce this alteration.

Pathology

Suspected Diagnosis

Confirmatory Diagnosis

Liver cirrhosis

Fatigue, jaundice, ascites, bleeding, nail changes

Liver ultrasound, liver biopsy, liver function tests

Congestive heart failure

Shortness of breath, peripheral oedema, fatigue, nail changes

Echocardiogram, BNP test (B-type natriuretic peptide)

Diabetes mellitus

Excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, nail changes

Fasting glucose test, HbA1c

Cancer

Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, nail changes

Biopsy of affected tissue, imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI)

Advanced age

Changes in nail quality such as brittleness or colour changes

Clinical diagnosis based on age and physical examination


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