Finger clubbing

Finger clubbing, also called "drumstick fingers", is a common clinical sign in patients with heart or lung disease. The term is used to describe an enlargement of the distal phalanges of the fingers, giving them a drumstick or club-like appearance. 

Pathology

The underlying pathogenesis of finger clubbing is unknown.

Associations

Finger clubbing is associated with a long list of chronic cardiopulmonary disease including ¹:

• pulmonary disease
  • lung cancer
  • mesothelioma
  • idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • cystic fibrosis
• cardiac disease
  • long-standing cyanotic congenital heart disease