Retrospektive monozentrische 8-Jahres-Analyse von Nagelbiopsien zur Korrelation klinischer und histologischer Daten

Background Diagnostic of nail diseases is still challenging for clinicians as well as dermatopathologists. Anatomic skills and knowledge of surgical techniques are mandatory. To date, only little data exist concerning clinicopathologic correlation of nail diseases. Aim of this study was to describe population of patients that were diagnostically and/or therapeutically biopsied on the nail region. Correlation of clinical and epidemiological data and comparison of clinical diagnosis prior to biopsy with histologic diagnoses were performed. Methods This is a monocentric retrospective study including 639 cases of nail biopsies obtained between January 2006 and March 2014. Population consisted of 299 female (46,8%) and 340 male patients (53,2%). Major part of nail diseases occurred within spring and summer. Clinically nail infections, malignant tumors of the nail unit and inflammatory diseases of the nails were the most commonly seen diseases. Discussion For every second case clinical diagnosis did not match to final histologic diagnosis. Causative is high clinical variability of features compared to a limited spectrum of specific symptoms. Additionally, missing experience and routine with dermatosurgical aspects of the nail unit and fear of associated post-surgical complications may play a role. Thus, standardization of histologic procedure and diagnostic as well as continuous improvement in clinical and dermatosurgical education is mandatory to enhance treatment of patients with diseases of the nail unit.