Pachydermoperiostosis: ultrastructural and vascular observations

A case of Pachydermoperiostois is described. The clinical course and the absence of primary, causative lesions indicate the primary idiopathic form of this case. Histological, ultrastructural, biochemical and vascular (thermography-reography) investigations were applied. The following findings are the most important remarks: a) Fibroblasts highly active and alterations of the basal membrane of the dermal vessels. b) Increased value of seric osteocalcin, a marker of new bone formation. c) Basal hypothermia at the thermography suggesting a reduced blood flow through the clubbed digits and an increased wave at the reography. The authors underline the increased activity of both fibroblasts and osteoblasts as pathogenetic clue of the hypertrophic dermo-osteopathy.