Finger clubbing, also known as digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers, is a physical sign characterized by bulbous enlargement of the ends of one or more fingers or toes. It is often associated with various diseases and conditions, but the exact mechanism behind clubbing remains partially understood. Here are some common causes of finger clubbing:
- Lung Diseases: Clubbing is often associated with lung diseases, especially those that decrease the amount of oxygen in the blood.
- Lung cancer
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Tuberculosis
- Mesothelioma
- Note that Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is NOT associated with clubbing.
- Heart Diseases: Certain heart diseases, especially those that lead to low oxygen levels in the blood, can cause clubbing.
- Congenital heart diseases
- Infective endocarditis
- Atrial myxoma (a type of heart tumor)
- Gastrointestinal Diseases: Some conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system can also lead to clubbing, such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn’s disease > Ulcerative colitis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Other Diseases and Conditions: Clubbing can also be associated with other diseases and conditions, including:
- Sarcoidosis
- Thyroid acropachy
- Idiopathic or Hereditary Causes
It’s important to note that clubbing is a physical sign, not a disease in itself, and the presence of clubbing often warrants further investigation to identify any underlying health issues.