Achenbach syndrome: a benign cause of blue finger illustrated by a case report

Marcelo Pacheco-Silva, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Dermatovenereologia, Almada, Portugal Joel Reis, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Dermatovenereologia, Almada, Portugal José Ramos, Serviço de Dermatovenereologia, Unidade Local de Saúde de Almada-Seixal, Almada, Portugal Katarina Kiesel-Rodrigues, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Dermatovenereologia, Almada, Portugal João Alves, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, Centro de Responsabilidade Integrada de Dermatovenereologia, Almada, Portugal

Achenbach syndrome, or paroxysmal finger hematoma, is a benign vascular condition characterized by the sudden onset of pain, swelling, and bluish discoloration of the digits. Although self-limited, its dramatic presentation often leads to unnecessary investigations to exclude ischemic or thrombotic disease. We present a case of a 48-year-old female with acute-onset discoloration of the third finger and full spontaneous resolution within 1 week, illustrating the importance of recognizing this frequently underdiagnosed syndrome.

Keywords: Achenbach syndrome. Paroxysmal finger hematoma. Blue finger.