[Digital clubbing]

Abstract

Digital clubbing is a clinical sign known for centuries. Though, no theory could yet explain this entire phenomenon, neither in its primary nor its secondary form. This article reviews the actual hypotheses bringing a plausible explanation, regarding the most current pathologies associated with digital clubbing. A focus is made on pulmonary and digestive pathologies, and particularly cirrhosis. The knowledge of the mechanisms underlying finger clubbing might lead, in the future, to an effective treatment.