A diagnostic journey started with yellow nail syndrome (YNS) ended with the Kartagener's syndrome: a rare case report of coexistence of YNS and Kartagener's syndrome.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder diagnosed by a triad of yellowish-green discoloration of the nails, respiratory manifestations, and lymphedema. Kartagener's syndrome (KS) is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, infertility, and situs inversus. In this case we report the rare coexistence of these solitary occurring disorders.

Case presentation: This report details an interesting case wherein the clinical manifestation of YNS in a 54-year-old male patient not only led to its diagnosis but also revealed the coexistence of another distinctive underlying genetic disorder - KS.

Clinical discussion: KS is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, infertility, and situs inversus. While KS and YNS are two discernibly unique syndromes, the simultaneous clinical manifestation of their pathologies within a single patient, as presented in our patient, is notably infrequent and rare.

Conclusion: While there is significant documented evidence of YNS co-occurring with only bronchiectasis, we present this case due to the rarity of the amalgamation of YNS with the complete spectrum of pathologies associated with KS. This may help in early diagnosis of either disorder via investigation on the basis of their coexistence as presented in this case and may result in better health outcomes in clinical practice.