Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

Introduction: Achenbach syndrome is a rare, benign condition characterized by painful discoloration of
a finger. Recognition of this syndrome prevents unnecessary costly workup and risky interventions.

Case Report: A healthy, 54-year-old female was transferred to our emergency department (ED) from a
community ED for vascular evaluation of discoloration and numbness to her finger. After extensive
workup, medical intervention, and consultation with multiple specialists, she was diagnosed with
Achenbach syndrome.

Conclusion: Emergency physicians may practice good healthcare stewardship and limit invasive,
potentially harmful, and expensive workup by reassuring patients of the benign nature of this condition.