clubbing of the nails

Could you please explain the pathophysiology of clubbing to me?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The exact mechanism of what causes clubbing remains unclear till date.Many mechanisms have been proposed but none have gained complete acceptance.However ,many researchers agree that the common factor in most types of clubbing is distal digital vasodilation, which results in increased blood flow to the distal portion of the digits. Whether the vasodilation results from a circulating or local vasodilator, neural mechanism, response to hypoxemia, genetic predisposition, or a combination of these or other mediators is not agreed on currently.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1105946-overview

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.

[kay1988]

Thanks much, i am more clear on how the loss of angle between the nails develop, due to hypoxemia or other defects, the vena cava pumps deoxygenated blood around the body, because of vasodilation as you say, this results in a buildup of deoxygenated blood at the distal portion of the fingers or toes, causing the nails to form a curve. Could i also say that the oxygen diffuse to the warmest parts of the body such as body organs close to the heart because they are in greater demand for oxygen?