Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is classically considered to comprise a clinical triad of yellow nails, lymphedema, and respiratory tract involvement. Two of these symptoms are required for the diagnosis, since the complete triad is only observed in about one-third of patients. Onset is usually after puberty (Hoque et al., 2007).

Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (referred to as LDS in this GeneReview) is characterized by lower-limb lymphedema, and distichiasis (aberrant eyelashes ranging from a full set of extra eyelashes to a single hair). Lymphedema typically appears in late childhood or puberty, is confined to the lower limbs with or without involvement of the external genitalia, and is often asymmetric; severity varies within families. Males develop edema at an earlier age and have more problems with cellulitis than females. Distichiasis, which may be present at birth, is observed in 94% of affected individuals. About 75% of affected individuals have ocular findings including corneal irritation, recurrent conjunctivitis, and photophobia; other common findings include varicose veins and ptosis.

Striate palmoplantar keratoderma belongs to a group of skin diseases in which there is thickening of the skin on the palms and soles. The striate form is characterized by longitudinal hyperkeratotic lesions extending the length of each finger to the palm, and hyperkeratotic lesions are restricted to regions of the body where pressure and abrasion are greatest (summary by Hunt et al., 2001). Patients with diffuse or focal forms of keratoderma associated with mutation in the DSG1 gene have also been reported (Keren et al., 2005; Milingou et al., 2006). Genetic Heterogeneity of Keratosis Palmoplantaris Striata Type II PPKS (PPKS2; 612908) is caused by mutation in the DSP gene (125647) on chromosome 6. Type III PPKS (PPKS3; 607654) is caused by mutation in the keratin-1 gene (KRT1; 139350) on chromosome 12q. For a general phenotypic description and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), see epidermolytic PPK (144200). Nitoiu et al. (2014) reviewed desmosome biology in cardiocutaneous syndromes and inherited skin disease, including discussion of the involvement of the DSG1 and DSP genes.

Patients with this syndrome develop cutaneous telangiectases in infancy with patchy alopecia over areas of affected skin, thinning of the lateral eyebrows, and mild dental and nail anomalies. Affected individuals are at increased risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, and other malignancies have been reported as well (Tanaka et al., 2012).

Primary lymphedema is caused by anatomic or functional defects in the lymphatic system, resulting in chronic swelling of body parts. There may be accompanying nail and skin changes, such as nail dysplasia or papillomatosis. Onset is usually at birth or in early childhood but can occur later, and the severity is variable (summary by Gordon et al., 2013 and Balboa-Beltran et al., 2014). For a discussion of the genetic heterogeneity of lymphocytic malformation, see 153100.