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Exam Cram
Exam Cram
Yellow Nail Syndrome is thought to be a disorder of the lymphatic system resulting in lymph fluid overload in chest, fingers and lower limbs
Presentation: yellow nails, respiratory disease (pleural effusion, bronchiectasis) & lymphedema
Diagnosis: clinical- rule out differentials: CHF, psoriasis, fungal nail infection (onychomycosis),
Management: investigate cause- malignancy or AI; symptomatic support
Outline
Outline
Background
Background
The cause of Yellow Nail Syndrome is unknown
In the UK, the prevalence is < 1,000,000 & less than 100 cases
A condition relevant for PACES
Assessment
Assessment
Presentation
Adults over 50 years
Gradual cough, fluid build up, yellow nails
Examination
Yellow Nails
Lymphodema
Respiratory Disease- bronchiectasis, pleural effusion
Investigations
Chest XR
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria: clinical, respiratory consultant
Management
Management
Chronic
Nails: oral vitamin E with oral antifungals (fluconazole)
Lymphodema: compression stockings, exercise
Lung: bronchiectasis, pleural effusion as per Respiratory- duiretics, mucolytics
Resources & References
Resources & References
Cheslock M, Harrington DW. Yellow Nail Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557760/
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/yellow-nail-syndrome/
Written in 2026
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