Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy associated with solitary fibrous tumor of the lung.

Abstract

Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, synonymous with the terms "pulmonary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy" and "pachydermoperiostosis acquisita," is a syndrome characterized by finger clubbing, hypertrophic skin changes, and periosteal bone changes that can occur in patients with underlying disease of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. We report the case of a 56-year-old man with a solitary fibrous tumor of the lung causing symptomatic hypoglycemia and secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The patient was seen in the dermatology clinic because of his skin changes. Diagnostic work-up included imaging that revealed a large mass in the left lower lobe of his lung later identified as a solitary fibrous tumor. The patient underwent pneumonectomy and at 1-month follow-up had returned to a euglycemic state with resolution of his skin findings. Dermatologists may play a key role in early diagnosis of tumors of the lung and other extrathoracic sites, such as solitary fibrous tumors, as well as many endocrine disorders, through the recognition of the cutaneous and soft tissue manifestations.