BACKGROUND: Telangiectasias are permanent dilations of blood capillaries which appear in a variety of medical conditions. Cutaneous palmar telangiectasias have been postulated to be associated with smoking. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a significant correlation exists between palmar telangiectasias and smoking habits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 volunteers participated in this observational study by allowing physical evaluation of their palms and by completing a questionnaire. RESULTS: Palmar telangiectasias were found to be associated with current or past smoking. Neither age nor gender was found to be a co-contributor. DISCUSSION: Palmar telangiectasias were found to constitute highly specific and sensitive markers for prolonged smoking.
BACKGROUND:Telangiectasias are permanent dilations of blood capillaries which appear in a variety of medical conditions. Cutaneous palmar telangiectasias have been postulated to be associated with smoking. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a significant correlation exists between palmar telangiectasias and smoking habits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 volunteers participated in this observational study by allowing physical evaluation of their palms and by completing a questionnaire. RESULTS:Palmar telangiectasias were found to be associated with current or past smoking. Neither age nor gender was found to be a co-contributor. DISCUSSION: Palmar telangiectasias were found to constitute highly specific and sensitive markers for prolonged smoking.
Authors: Dragica Petar Pesut; Ana Milan Samardzic; Milica Vojin Bulajic; Tijana Tatjana Cvok-Debeljak Journal: J Bras Pneumol Date: 2019-04-18 Impact factor: 2.624