Acroosteolysis is resorption of the distal bony phalanges. Acroosteolysis has two patterns of resorption in adults: diffuse and bandlike.
The diffuse pattern of resorption has a widely diverse differential diagnosis which includes: pyknodysostosis, collagen vascular disease and vasculitis, Raynaud's neuropathy, trauma, epidermolysis bullosa, psoriasis, frostbite, sarcoidosis, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, acromegaly, and advanced leprosy.[1] [2] [3]
The bandlike pattern of resorption may be seen with polyvinyl chloride exposure and Hadju-Cheney syndrome.[1]
A mnemonic commonly used for acro-osteolysis is PINCHFO.[4] Pyknodysostosis, Psoriasis,Injury (thermal burn, frostbite),Neuropathy (diabetes),Collagen vascular disease (scleroderma, Raynaud's),Hyperparathyroidism,Familial (Hadju-Cheney, progeria), Occupational (polyvinyl exposure),
Acroosteolysis may be associated with minimal skin changes or with ischemic skin lesions that may result in digital necrosis.[5]