Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of drumstick fingers. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic … Drumstick Finger: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Acute interstitial pneumonia (pneumonia). Asbestosis – disease of the lungs, which belongs to the so-called pneumoconioses (dust lung diseases). Bronchiectasis (synonym: bronchiectasis) – permanently existing irreversible saccular or cylindrical expansion of the bronchi (medium-sized airways), which may be congenital or acquired; symptoms: chronic cough with “mouthful expectoration” (large-volume triple-layered sputum: foam, mucus … Drumstick Finger: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, central mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [cyanosis? (bluish discoloration of skin and/or central mucous membranes)] Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin … Drumstick Finger: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein) Electrolytes – calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphate. Blood gas analysis (BGA) Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), … Drumstick Finger: Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Electrocardiography (ECG) Echocardiography (echo) – for suspected structural heart disease. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax / chest). Computed tomography of the thorax (thoracic CT) – for further diagnostics.
The following symptoms and complaints may co-occur with drumstick fingers: Leading symptom Drumstick fingers (= rounded distension of the finger end phalanges (endphalanges; fingertips) with soft tissue thickening). Accompanying symptom Clock glass nails – excessively outwardly curved finger/toe nails [common]. Warning signs (red flags) Anamnestic information: Smoker + drumstick finger → think of: Bronchial carcinoma … Drumstick Finger: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
