POSSIBLE ETIOLOGY OF AINHUM

Abstract

To the Editor: —The article entitled Ainhum (Dactylosis Spontanea) by W. L. Norton, A. M. Sala, and M. E. Silverstein, in the September, 1957, issue of theArchives, has attracted my special attention because of a pertinent incident in my naval experience which may sufficiently engage your interest to merit publication. In 1945, while serving as Chief of Surgery at the U. S. Naval Hospital, No. 203, in Guam, Marianna Islands, a man in his middle 60's was admitted to my service with an unrelated condition. He had, as an incidental finding, what appeared to be a typical example of well-advanced ainhum, involving his fourth right toe. He offered no complaint with respect to it. I recognized it at once, and, aware of its unusual nature, I demonstrated the case to a number of colleagues from a nearby NAMRU (Naval Medical Research Unit). These included a prominent dermatologist and consultants