Dermatoglyphic pattern in some connective tissue diseases

الملخص EN

This study was undertaken in an attempt to describe a new clinical sign in some connective tissue diseases termed “round finger print sign”.

This term refers to disappearance of the peaked contour of the normal fingerprint and replacement with a hemisphere like finger print contour.

Eighty-five patients and fifty controls were studied.

They were classified as follows : Group I : 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 28 females and 2 males, their mean age was 22.32 ± 2.3 years.

Group II : 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 31 females and 9 males, their mean age was 25.81 ± 6.79 years.

Group III : 15 patients with scleroderma, 12 females and 3 males, their mean age was 35.5 ± 2.1 years.

Group IV : 50 healthy subjects as controls, 45 females and 5 males, their mean age was 30 ± 8.1 years.

Full history taking and examinations were done.

Investigations performed included rheumatoid factor, ANA and platelet count.

The fingerprints were studied using a magnifying lens with a light source, and the permanent fingerprints were recorded with the ink method.

The results showed a positive round (whorl) finger print sign in 44 % of systemic lupus erythematosus, 54 % of rheumatoid arthritis and 93 % of progressive systemic sclerosis.

There were significant statistical differences between all patients groups and controls p < 0.05, < 0.05 and < 0.001 respectively.

The round fingerprint sign seemed to be a new and useful clinical marker for those connective tissue diseases and may help in early diagnosis.