A 67-year-old man with a history of IgM deficiency and pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis was admitted for management of worsening symptoms. Investigations revealed exudative pleural effusion with rapidly progressive bronchiectasis. Although a potential trigger of bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis was not identified despite extensive work-up by several physicians in the past, a bedside observation of yellow dystrophic nails on all extremities revealed the diagnosis. This case report helps to remind clinicians of a rare medical disorder of still uncertain aetiology and no available cure. This case is consistent with a few previous case reports that suggest a potential association with selective immunoglobulin deficiency.
Learning points:
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the classic triad of respiratory, nail and lymphatic involvement.Diagnosis remains clinical with no confirmatory tests available; the absence of yellow nails does not preclude the diagnosis.An association with selective IgM deficiency has been infrequently reported.