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Kubo S, Tanaka Y. Evolution of diagnostic criteria and new insights into clinical testing in mixed connective tissue disease; anti-survival motor neuron complex antibody as a novel marker of severity of the disease. Immunol Med 2024; 47:52-57. [PMID: 38597289 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2024.2338593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a combination of clinical features from systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory muscle disease, along with the presence of positive anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP) antibodies. The exact etiology of the disease remains unclear, but it is believed to involve vascular damage within the context of heightened autoimmune responses. Consequently, Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary arterial hypertension are observed in patients with MCTD. While specific biomarkers for MCTD have not yet been identified, the recent study of the utility of anti-survival motor neuron complex (SMN) antibodies in MCTD suggests a promising avenue for further research and the accumulation of additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kubo
- Department of Molecular Targeted Therapies, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Ornowska S, Wudarski M, Dziewięcka E, Olesińska M. Naifold capillaroscopy in mixed connective tissue disease patients. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1703-1709. [PMID: 38509242 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare systemic disease characterized by overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermato-/polymyositis (DM/PM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Naifold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a non-invasive test for evaluating the capillaries of the nail shaft used in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. OBJECTIVES To determine whether there are characteristic abnormalities in NFC in MCTD patients, and whether the type of NFC lesions correlates with organ involvement in these patients. METHODS Clinical picture and NFC patterns were analyzed in 43 patients with MCTD. Capillaroscopic images were divided into scleroderma-like pattern (SD-like pattern) according to the Cutolo classification, non-specific lesions, and normal images. Relationships between the clinical aspects considered in the MCTD classification criteria and the changes in the capillaroscopic images were evaluated. RESULTS SD-like pattern was present in 20 MCTD patients (46.51%) with a predominance of the "early" pattern. Giant, branched, dilated capillaries and reduced capillary density were found more frequently in MCTD patients compared to the control group (p-values 0.0005, 0.005, 0.02, < 0.0001 respectively). There were associations found between the presence of a reduced number of vessels, avascular areas, and SD-like pattern with the presence of sclerodactyly in MCTD patients (p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.02, respectively), alongside an association between the presence of branched vessels and the subpapillary plexus with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS MCTD patients are significantly more likely to have abnormalities upon NFC. It is worthwhile to perform capillaroscopic examination in MCTD patients. Key Points • Scleroderma-like pattern was found in more than half of the MCTD patients. • Reduced capillary density was found to be a significant predictor of the diagnosis of MCTD. • There were relationships between the presence of reduced capillary density, avascular areas, and SD-like with the presence of sclerodactyly in the MCTD patients. • There was an association between the presence of branched vessels and the visibility of the subpapillary plexus and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Ornowska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, ul. Spartańska 1, 02-637, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Wudarski
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, ul. Spartańska 1, 02-637, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Dziewięcka
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Cardiac Institute, John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, ul. Spartańska 1, 02-637, Warsaw, Poland
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Lambova SN, Müller-Ladner U. "Scleroderma" and "Scleroderma-like" Capillaroscopic Pattern-Differences and Similarities. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:304-316. [PMID: 38807470 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971265291231212045931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The "scleroderma" type capillaroscopic pattern is a reference pattern in rheumatology that is a diagnostic sign for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in an appropriate clinical context and is observed in more than 90% of scleroderma patients. Similar microvascular changes, the so-called "scleroderma-like", have been described albeit in a lower proportion of patients with other rheumatic diseases, such as dermatomyositis (DM), undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), etc. Three distinct stages of "scleroderma" pattern have been suggested by Cutolo et al., i.e., "early", "active", and "late". However, disease duration is just one of the factors that contributes to the progression of microvascular changes, and in this regard, "active" or even "late" pattern could be observed in patients with shorter disease duration. In addition, stable microvascular changes could be found for long periods in other cases. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the presence of differentiating features between "scleroderma" pattern in SSc and "scleroderma-like" pattern in other rheumatic diseases. METHODS 684 capillaroscopic images demonstrating a "scleroderma" and "scleroderma-like" pattern have been analysed in the current retrospective cross-sectional study. 479 capillaroscopic pictures were obtained from 50 SSc patients, 105 from 7 DM patients, 38 from 10 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 36 images from 5 patients with SLE, and 26 images from 9 patients with UCTD. All capillaroscopic images used in the current analysis have fulfilled the criteria for "sclerderma/scleroderma-like" pattern, as the pathological changes in the capillaroscopic parameters have also been confirmed by quantitative measurement of capillary diameters, capillary density, and intercapillary distance. All the images have been categorized into one of the following groups, i.e., "early", "active" and "late" phases (according to the definition of Cutolo et al.), or "other" findings, the latter being specifically described as they could not be attributed to one of the other three categories. RESULTS 479 capillaroscopic pictures were obtained from 50 scleroderma patients. 31 of them showed an "early", 391 an "active" phase, and 57 a "late" phase "scleroderma" type microangiopathy. In 69 images assessed as an "active" pattern, neoangiogenesis was found. In 43 out of 105 capillaroscopic pictures from DM patients, an "active" phase was detected; in 2 of the images, a "late" pattern was found, and in 60 capillaroscopic pictures, neoangiogenesis in combination with giant capillary loops was observed. Early microangiopathy was not found in this group. Among capillaroscopic images from SLE patients, "late" phase microangiopathy was not found. "Early" phase was present in 3 images, "active" phase in 29, neoangiogenesis in "active" phase in 4 pictures. Early microangiopathy was detected in 11 capillaroscopic pictures from RA patients (8 out of 9 patients), an "active" phase in 4 images (3 patients), and in 23 capillaroscopic images, neoangiogenesis with mild capillary derangement and capillary loss and single giant capillaries ("rheumatoid neoangiogenic pattern") were observed. Classic "late" type microangiopathy was not found in RA patients as well as among patients with UCTD. The predominant capillaroscopic pattern in UCTD patients was early microangiopathy (n = 23). The rest images from UCTD exhibited features of the "active" phase. CONCLUSION In conclusion, early microangiopathy was observed in RA, SLE, and UCTD patients, but not in patients with DM. An "active" phase "scleroderma" type capillaroscopic pattern was detected in all patient groups other than SSc, i.e., DM, SLE, RA, and UCTD. "Late" phase "scleroderma" type microangiopathy was present in patients with scleroderma and DM and was not observed in SLE, RA, and UCTD. Despite the fact that in some cases, microangiopathy in scleroderma and other rheumatic diseases may be indistinguishable, the results of the current research have shown the presence of some differentiating features between "scleroderma" and "scleroderma-like" microangiopathy that might be a morphological phenomenon associated with differences in the pathogenesis and the degree of microvascular pathology in various rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevdalina Nikolova Lambova
- Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases "Prof Dr Anton Mitov", Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Rheumatology, MHAT "Sveti Mina" Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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Onder ENA, Gokyayla E, Ermertcan AT, Ertan P. The nailfold dermoscopy findings of patients with atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. Microvasc Res 2023; 148:104548. [PMID: 37225057 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe disease characterized by microangiopathic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. OBJECTIVES Atypical HUS (aHUS) that results due to genetic disorders of the alternative complement pathway results in inflammation, endothelial damage, and kidney injury. Therefore, simple and non-invasive tests are needed to evaluate the activity of the disease by assessing the microvascular structure in aHUS. METHODS A dermoscope (×10) is an inexpensive and easily portable device used to visualize nailfold capillaries and has high clinical performance and interobserver reliability. In this study, the nailfold capillaries of patients with aHUS who were in remission under eculizumab treatment were examined, and the findings were compared to those of a healthy control group to evaluate disease characteristics. RESULTS All children with aHUS had decreased capillary densities even if they were in remission. This may be indicative of ongoing inflammation and microvascular damage in aHUS. CONCLUSION A dermoscopy can be used as a screening tool for disease activity in patients with aHUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Nagehan Akyol Onder
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Manisa TR-45010, Turkey.
| | - Ece Gokyayla
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Manisa TR-45010, Turkey
| | - Aylin Turel Ermertcan
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Manisa TR-45010, Turkey
| | - Pelin Ertan
- Manisa Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Manisa TR-45010, Turkey
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Does the use of nail cosmetics interfere with the reporting of nailfold capillaroscopy? Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:1307-1313. [PMID: 36624179 PMCID: PMC9838451 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive tool evaluating the nail-fold capillaries, especially in approach to Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and scleroderma (SSc) spectrum of diseases. It was recommended that the patients should not use any cosmetic procedure involving the nailfold to avoid misinterpretations. Therefore, we aimed to find the problems of using or recent removal of the nail polishes/artificial nails/henna before doing capillaroscopy. During 10 years, we looked for all capillaroscopy reports and nail fold images of patients who referred for capillaroscopy and had used or recently removed nail polish/artificial nail/henna in order to find the presence of any artifacts or misinterpretations in reports. Sixty-three patients were identified that had used or removed the nail cosmetic during 10 days before capillaroscopy. In patients who used nail polish, removed their nail polish, used artificial nails, or removed the artificial nails, and those using henna, 16.2%, 36.4%, 3.8%, 0%, and 1.4% of nail folds showed some stains in the upper part of the nail fold area, respectively, that had no interference with the report due to their distinct color. However, few areas were covered with polish stains in patients who removed the polish recently. The presence of nail cosmetics including nail polishes, henna, and artificial nails at the time of capillaroscopy does not induce a significant misinterpretation in capillaroscopy. However, some colored stains which were mostly distinguishable from hemorrhages could be seen. The removal of them 10 days before the time of capillaroscopy did not decrease the cosmetic artifacts. Key Points • The presence of nail cosmetics including nail polishes, henna, and artificial nails at the time of capillaroscopy does not induce a significant misinterpretation in capillaroscopy. • The removal of nail polish 10 days before the time of capillaroscopy did not decrease the procedure artifacts. • The removal of nail polish 10 days before capillaroscopy increased the area of artifacts and coverage of the study background.
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El Miedany Y, Ismail S, Wadie M, Hassan M. Nailfold capillaroscopy: tips and challenges. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3629-3640. [PMID: 36040673 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Although nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) appears to have a bright future in clinical practice, the lack of familiarity with the technique and how to interpret its outcomes is major barriers which have made nailfold capillaroscopy an underutilized method in standard clinical practice. Traditional methods for assessment and measurement of capillary patterns, density, and blood flow are falling behind and face some challenges. In fact, there have been calls for improvement, hence the recent publication of the standardization of NFC by the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases. Nailfold capillaroscopy has the advantage of being a non-invasive technique that provides a window into the digital microcirculation. This paved the way for a rapidly growing interest in using capillaroscopy parameters as outcome measures in research. In standard clinical practice, whilst its main application is in the identification of an underlying systemic sclerosis spectrum disorder in patients presenting with Raynaud's phenomenon, its use has expanded to include other clinical features possibly suggestive of an underlying connective tissue disease. This article presents the challenges, provides tips, and highlights the exciting potential of nailfold capillaroscopy in standard practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser El Miedany
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Canterbury, England, UK.
| | - Sherif Ismail
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mary Wadie
- Internal Medicine Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Hassan
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Todoroki Y, Kubo S, Nakano K, Miyazaki Y, Ueno M, Satoh-Kanda Y, Kanda R, Miyagawa I, Hanami K, Nakatsuka K, Saito K, Nakayamada S, Tanaka Y. Nailfold microvascular abnormalities are associated with a higher prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with MCTD. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4875-4884. [PMID: 35285493 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE MCTD manifests with microvasculopathy and overlapping clinical features of SLE, SSc and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of microvasculopathy in patients with MCTD using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC). METHODS Fifty patients with newly diagnosed and untreated MCTD were enrolled in this multicentre, prospective and observational study. Clinical features and NVC findings were assessed at baseline and after 1 year post-intervention, along with disease controls [SLE (n = 40), SSc (n = 70) and IIM (n = 50)]. RESULTS All MCTD patients presented Raynaud's phenomenon and were positive for anti-U1 RNP antibodies, and 22.0% (11/50) had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The prevalence of NVC scleroderma patterns in MCTD was 38.0%, which was lower than SSc (88.6%) but higher than SLE (10.0%). In addition, when we divided MCTD patients into two groups by presence or absence of NVC scleroderma patterns, we found a higher prevalence of PAH in patients with NVC scleroderma patterns. Namely, NVC scleroderma patterns were observed in all MCTD patients with PAH, and in 21.0% of those without PAH. After intensive immunosuppressive therapy, NVC scleroderma patterns disappeared in half of the MCTD patients but were not changed in SSc patients. CONCLUSIONS MCTD differed from SLE, SSc and IIM in terms of the prevalence and responsiveness of NVC scleroderma patterns to immunosuppressive therapy. Detection of nailfold microvascular abnormalities in MCTD could contribute to predicting PAH and help us to understand further aspects of the pathogenesis of MCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Todoroki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kubo
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Nakano
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Masanobu Ueno
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yurie Satoh-Kanda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitakyushu General Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Kanda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitakyushu General Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Ippei Miyagawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hanami
- Wakamatsu Hospital of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu
| | - Keisuke Nakatsuka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuoka Yutaka Central Hospital, Fukuoka
| | - Kazuyoshi Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tobata General Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakayamada
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
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Pacini G, Pogna A, Pendolino M, Pizzorni C, Carmisciano L, Gotelli E, Sulli A, Paolino S, Schenone C, Smith V, Cutolo M. Understanding the value of non-specific abnormal capillary dilations in presence of Raynaud's phenomenon: a detailed capillaroscopic analysis. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002449. [PMID: 36197673 PMCID: PMC9462093 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) non-specific abnormalities may be present in subjects with isolated Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) before the potential transition to systemic sclerosis (SSc) specific microvascular alterations ('scleroderma pattern'). This study aims to investigate NVC non-specific abnormalities, notably capillary dilations, in RP patients, as possible forerunners of the 'scleroderma pattern'. METHODS A 10-year retrospective NVC-based investigation evaluated 55 RP patients sorted into 3 sex-matched and age-matched groups according to clinical evolution: 18 later developing SSc (cases), 19 later developing other connective tissue disease and 18 maintaining primary RP at long-term follow-up (controls). All patients had a basal NVC showing non-specific abnormalities, namely non-specific >30 µm dilated capillaries (30-50 μm diameter). Sequential NVCs were longitudinally evaluated using current standardised approach. Statistical analysis assessed the risk for developing a 'scleroderma pattern'. RESULTS Significantly larger capillary diameters were observed in cases versus controls both at basal NVC and during follow-up NVC (p=<0.05 to <0.001). Interestingly, controls showed stable NVC non-specific abnormalities over the study follow-up. The number of >30 µm dilated capillaries/mm at basal NVC was the strongest single predictor of 'scleroderma pattern' evolution with 24% increased risk per each dilated capillary (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17,1.32). Additionally, a tree-based analysis suggested the efferent (venous) diameter of the most dilated capillary on basal NVCas a variable of interest to identify patients maintaining primary RP. CONCLUSION This is the first study to describe an NVC 'prescleroderma signature' to potentially identify RP patients later developing a 'scleroderma pattern'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pacini
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Pogna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Pendolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Carmisciano
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Carlotta Schenone
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Rheumatology, Postgraduate School of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Felis-Giemza A, Ornowska S, Haładyj E, Czuszyńska Z, Olesińska M. Relationship between type of skin lesions and nailfold capillaroscopy pattern in mixed connective tissue disease. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:281-288. [PMID: 34370129 PMCID: PMC8724086 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare disease with clinical picture consisted of multiple organ manifestations, including skin changes resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), or dermatomyositis (DM). On the background of these manifestations are microvascular changes - alteration of endothelial function and impairment of endothelial progenitor cell. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a simple, non-invasive technique for investigating microvascular involvement in rheumatic diseases. OBJECTIVES To describe the relationship between type of skin lesions and NFC pattern in MCTD patients. METHODS We analyzed the clinical picture and NFC patterns in 79 patients with MCTD. The NFC changes were classified into Normal, "Early," "Active," and "Late" scleroderma-like patterns (SD-like pattern) based on Cutolo classification. In all patients, subjective and physical examinations were carried out, specifically the occurrence of skin lesions in the course of MCTD was assessed (systemic sclerosis-like (Ssc-like), systemic lupus erythematosus-like (SLE-like), dermatomysitis-like (DM-like)). RESULTS Skin changes were present in 64 (81%) patients, involving 43 (54%) SLE-like, 48 (61%) SSc-like, and 4 (5.1%) DM-like. NFC changes were observed in a total of 55 (69.6 %) patients with predominance of the "Early" pattern - 41 (51.9 %) patients. According to skin change phenotypes, NFC changes were observed in 31 (72%) patients with SLE-like and in 32 (66.7%) patients with SSc-like skin phenotypes. The "early" pattern predominated in both group. CONCLUSIONS We did not find any correlation between NFC pattern and the type skin changes. Key Points • The study did not show a correlation between the presence and absence of skin lesions and NFC pattern. • Scleroderma-like patterns were found in over 60% of patients with mixed connective tissue disease. • The "early" pattern is dominant regardless of the occurrence or absence of skin lesions in patients with MCTD. • Skin lesions, regardless of their type (SLE or SSc), do not correlate with type of lesion found in the NFC examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Felis-Giemza
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Ornowska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Haładyj
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zenobia Czuszyńska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Connective Tissue Diseases and Geriatrics, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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The usefulness of nailfold capillaroscopy in "scleroderma-spectrum" disorders. Reumatologia 2021; 59:273-275. [PMID: 34819700 PMCID: PMC8609378 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2021.110323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Detection of microvascular changes in systemic sclerosis and other rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:665-677. [PMID: 34561652 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Morphological and functional analysis of the microcirculation are objective outcome measures that are recommended for use in the presence of clinical signs of altered peripheral blood flow (such as Raynaud phenomenon), which can occur in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Several advanced non-invasive tools are available for monitoring the microcirculation, including nailfold videocapillaroscopy, which is the best-studied and most commonly used method for distinguishing and quantifying microvascular morphological alterations in SSc. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy can also be used alongside laser Doppler techniques to assist in the early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with dermatomyositis or mixed connective tissue disease. Power Doppler ultrasonography, which has been used for many years to evaluate the vascularity of synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis, is another promising tool for the analysis of skin and nailbed capillary perfusion in other autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Other emerging methods include raster-scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy, which offers non-invasive high-resolution 3D visualization of capillaries and has been tested in psoriatic arthritis and SSc. The principle functions and operative characteristics of several non-invasive tools for analysing microvascular changes are outlined in this Review, and the clinical roles of validated or tested imaging methods are discussed for autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Rezuș E, Macovei LA, Burlui AM, Cardoneanu A, Rezuș C. Ischemic Heart Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Two Conditions, the Same Background. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101042. [PMID: 34685413 PMCID: PMC8537055 DOI: 10.3390/life11101042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most frequent inflammatory rheumatic diseases, having a considerably increased prevalence of mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). RA patients have an augmented risk for ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease. Increased cardiovascular (CV) risk is related to disease activity and chronic inflammation. Traditional risk factors and RA-related characteristics participate in vascular involvement, inducing subclinical changes in coronary microcirculation. RA is considered an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial dysfunction is a precocious marker of atherosclerosis (ATS). Pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNFα, IL-1, and IL-6) play an important role in synovial inflammation and ATS progression. Therefore, targeting inflammation is essential to controlling RA and preventing CVD. Present guidelines emphasize the importance of disease control, but studies show that RA- treatment has a different influence on CV risk. Based on the excessive risk for CV events in RA, permanent evaluation of CVD in these patients is critical. CVD risk calculators, designed for the general population, do not use RA-related predictive determinants; also, new scores that take into account RA-derived factors have restricted validity, with none of them encompassing imaging modalities or specific biomarkers involved in RA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rezuș
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.R.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.R.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.R.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (E.R.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Ciprian Rezuș
- Department of Internal Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
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Ingegnoli F, Herrick AL, Schioppo T, Bartoli F, Ughi N, Pauling JD, Sulli A, Cutolo M, Smith V. Reporting items for capillaroscopy in clinical research on musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic review and international Delphi consensus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:1410-1418. [PMID: 32984894 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The level of detail included when describing nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) methods varies among research studies, making interpretation and comparison of results challenging. The overarching objective of the present study was to seek consensus on the reporting standards in NVC methodology for clinical research in rheumatic diseases and to propose a pragmatic reporting checklist. METHODS Based on the items derived from a systematic review focused on this topic, a three-step web-based Delphi consensus on minimum reporting standards in NVC was performed among members of the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases and the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium. RESULTS A total of 319 articles were selected by the systematic review, and 46 items were proposed in the Delphi process. This Delphi exercise was completed by 80 participants from 31 countries, including Australia and countries within Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Agreement was reached on items covering three main areas: patient preparation before NVC (15 items), device description (5 items) and examination details (13 items). CONCLUSION Based on the available evidence, the description of NVC methods was highly heterogeneous in the identified studies and differed markedly on several items. A reporting checklist of 33 items, based on practical suggestions made (using a Delphi process) by international participants, has been developed to provide guidance to improve and standardize the NVC methodology to be applied in future clinical research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ingegnoli
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Pini Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tommaso Schioppo
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Pini Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Bartoli
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Pini Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Ughi
- Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Pini Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - John D Pauling
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS FT, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
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Ferrari G, Gotelli E, Paolino S, Pesce G, Nanni L, Colombo BM, Pacini G, Schenone C, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Antiphospholipid antibodies and anticoagulant therapy: capillaroscopic findings. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:175. [PMID: 34176504 PMCID: PMC8237465 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02551-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by specific vascular and obstetric manifestations and by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity. Microvascular damage in the course of APS and “aPL carrier” patients without symptoms is poorly investigated. Objectives This study aims to compare nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) microvascular parameters in APS patients and non-symptomatic "aPL carriers" and to investigate their possible correlations with different aPL subtypes. Methods NVC was performed during standard evaluations in 18 APS patients (mean age 50 ± 13.8 years), 24 "aPL carriers" without symptoms (mean age 46.4 ± 16.4 years), and 18 control patients (CTR) (mean age 74 ± 12.5 years) taking oral anticoagulants for non-immunological indications (i.e., cardiovascular accidents). All patients were investigated for the presence of dilated capillaries, giant capillaries, microhemorrhages, capillary loss, and further non-specific/specific abnormalities (i.e., branched “bushy” capillaries, sign of neoangiogenesis) by NVC. Every alteration was also classified according to a semi-quantitative score. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and antibeta2 glycoprotein I antibodies were tested in each patient. Results APS patients showed at NVC increased frequency of microhemorrhages (p = 0.039)—particularly a “comb-like” pattern (parallel hemorrhages) (p = 0.002)—than "aPL carriers". Of note, there were no significant differences concerning the isolated number of microhemorrhages between APS and the CTR group (p = 0.314), but “comb-like” hemorrhages were significantly more frequent in the APS group (p = 0.034). Not any significant correlation was found between the aPL subtypes and NVC parameters. Conclusions APS patients showed significantly a greater number of non-specific NVC abnormalities than "aPL carriers", particularly the “comb-like” NVC pattern. Oral anticoagulants may represent a confounding factor for isolated microhemorrhages. Not any correlation was found between aPL subtypes and NVC parameters. Further investigations are needed to better characterize the microvascular endothelium damage induced by aPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ferrari
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giampaola Pesce
- Autoimmunity Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Nanni
- Medicine Laboratory, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Greta Pacini
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Schenone
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Viale Benedetto XV, n° 6 - 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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Nailfold capillary changes in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients: An observational analytical study. Microvasc Res 2021; 136:104173. [PMID: 33895230 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nail Fold capillaroscopy (NFC) is used to evaluate microvascular changes in the horizontally lying capillaries in the proximal nail fold. Arterial hypertension affects the microvascular beds producing structural changes. Our objective was to evaluate qualitative and quantitative NFC changes in newly diagnosed hypertensives as compared to age and sex matched normotensive controls and to determine association, if any, with microvascular changes visualized on fundoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational, analytical study involved 41 newly diagnosed hypertensives (18-60 years) with 41 normotensive age and sex matched normotensive controls. The mean capillary density (MCD) and morphological changes were assessed for all, while fundoscopy was done for study group participants. The collected data was statistically analyzed. RESULTS The MCD in newly diagnosed hypertensives (5.21 ± 0.90 capillaries/mm) was significantly lower than normotensive controls (6.50 ± 0.65 capillaries/mm) (p < 0.001) in our study. Qualitative morphologic changes were more common in hypertensive patients including meandering capillaries, capillary dilation, avascular areas, bushy capillaries, and microhemorrhages (p value <0.001). Capillary disarray (73.17%) was a unique morphologic change seen significantly more commonly in study group (p < 0.001). Among hypertensives, MCD was lesser in patients with retinopathy (p = 0.125) and with microalbuminuria, while avascular areas and dilated capillaries were significantly more common. CONCLUSION Our study supports the role of NFC with USB dermatoscope in detecting unique microvascular morphological alterations in hypertensives, which were more frequent as well as distinctive, as compared to healthy controls. A good correlation with fundoscopic features and microalbuminuria suggests that it could be useful in predicting/detecting cardiovascular, or renal complications early, with an advantage of easy accessibility and repeatability.
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Hysa E, Cutolo CA, Gotelli E, Paolino S, Cimmino MA, Pacini G, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Ocular microvascular damage in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: The pathophysiological role of the immune system. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102796. [PMID: 33722750 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathological eye involvement represents a quite common finding in a broad spectrum of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Ocular signs, often occur as early manifestations in ARDs, ranging from symptoms related to the mild dry eye disease to sight-threatening pathologies, linked to the immune response against retinal and choroidal vessels. Retinovascular damage driven by markedly inflammatory reactivity need a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Immune-complexes formation, complement activation and antibody-mediated endothelial damage seem to play a key role, particularly, in microvascular damage and ocular symptoms, occurring in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Conversely, early alterations of retinal and choroidal vessels in the asymptomatic patient, often detectable coincidentally, might be indicators of widespread vascular injury in other connective tissue diseases. Particularly, endothelin-induced hypoperfusion and pathological peri-choroidal extracellular matrix deposition, might be responsible for the micro-architectural alterations and loss of capillaries detected in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Instead, interferon alpha-mediated microvascular rarefaction, combined with endothelial lesions caused by specific autoantibodies and immune-complexes, appear to play a significant role in retinal vasculopathy associated to inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIM). The immuno-pathophysiological mechanisms of ocular microcirculatory damage associated with the major ARDs will be discussed under the light of the most recent achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Carlo Alberto Cutolo
- Ophtalmology Clinic DiNOGMI, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marco Amedeo Cimmino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Greta Pacini
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS Rheumatology Unit San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
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Paolino S, Gotelli E, Goegan F, Casabella A, Ferrari G, Patane M, Albertelli M, Gatto F, Pizzorni C, Cattelan F, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Body composition and bone status in relation to microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:255-264. [PMID: 32449094 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01234-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate, in Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, the body composition and the bone status according to the peripheral microcirculatory condition, assessed and scored by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC, "Early", "Active", "Late" patterns). METHODS Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by Dual X-ray absorptiometry and dedicated software (GE Lunar USA) in 37 female SSc patients classified according to the 2013 EULAR/ACR criteria and 40 sex-matched healthy subjects. Clinical, laboratory, body composition and bone parameters were analyzed according to the different NVC patterns. Means were compared by the Student's t test or one-way analysis of variance; medians were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test; and frequencies by the chi-square test. RESULTS Higher prevalence of vertebral (21% vs 7%) and femoral (35% vs 7%) osteoporosis (OP) was found in SSc. Particularly SSc patients with "Late" NVC pattern showed a significantly higher prevalence of vertebral (p = 0.018) and femoral OP (p = 0.016). Regional assessment of bone mass (BM) in seven different body areas showed a significantly lower BMD only at the total spine (p = 0.008) and femoral neck (p = 0.027) in advanced microvascular damage. Patients with "Late" NVC pattern showed a lower whole-body lean mass (LM) compared to "Early" and "Active" NVC patterns, particularly at upper limbs. To note, in all body sites, BMD correlates with LM and BMC according to NVC pattern severity. CONCLUSIONS SSc patients with most severe microvascular damage show a significantly altered body composition and bone status suggesting a strong link between microvascular failure and associated muscle/bone sufferance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paolino
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy.
| | - E Gotelli
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Goegan
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Casabella
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Ferrari
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Patane
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Albertelli
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities (DIMI), Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), Endocrinology Unit, University of Genoa, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities (DIMI), Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), Endocrinology Unit, University of Genoa, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Pizzorni
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - F Cattelan
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Sulli
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - V Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Cutolo
- Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
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Mansueto N, Rotondo C, Corrado A, Cantatore FP. Nailfold capillaroscopy : a comprehensive review on common findings and clinical usefulness in non-rheumatic disease. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2021; 68:6-14. [PMID: 33994482 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.68.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) is a useful diagnostic tool, used to early detect abnormalities in micro-circulation, providing a qualitative description of microvascular anomalies in Raynaud's phenomenon. NVC role in the diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis is well known. In other rheumatic conditions such as connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and arthritis, the NVC anomalies are often included in a scleroderma like pattern. The use of NVC in non-rheumatic diseases (NRD), with remarkable microvascular damage, as diabetes, is not standardized yet, although several research studies are carrying on. The aim of this article is to provide a resume of published results in order to lay the groundwork for the employment of NVC both in the diagnosis and follow up of microvascular complication in NRD. Furthermore, we mention NVC findings in pathologies without well recognize microvascular damages in their pathogenesis : micro-vessels abnormalities may suggest a different point of view. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 6-14, February, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mansueto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Rheumatology Unit, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rotondo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Rheumatology Unit, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Addolorata Corrado
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Rheumatology Unit, University of Foggia, Italy
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Ciaffi J, Ajasllari N, Mancarella L, Brusi V, Meliconi R, Ursini F. Nailfold capillaroscopy in common non-rheumatic conditions: A systematic review and applications for clinical practice. Microvasc Res 2020; 131:104036. [PMID: 32603698 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in common non-rheumatic conditions has not been systematically reported. The aim of this review is to outline NC features observed in frequent non-rheumatic conditions, providing a practical tool to support rheumatologists for the interpretation of capillaroscopic abnormalities in patients with no established connective tissue disease (CTD). METHODS We undertook a systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies reporting adults or children with common non-rheumatic diseases or conditions in which quantitative and/or qualitative assessment of morphological nailbed capillary findings was obtained, were included. The presence of a control group composed by subjects not affected by the studied condition and direct comparison of findings between groups were needed. RESULTS We included 25 articles. Diabetes mellitus (11 studies), glaucoma (7 studies) and essential hypertension (3 studies) were the most represented diseases. Reduced capillary density, tortuosity, dilated capillaries, microhaemorrhages, ramified capillaries and avascular areas can be observed in diabetic patients. Association was reported between poor glycaemic control or longer duration of diabetes, or presence of microvascular complications as retinopathy and neuropathy, and more severe capillaroscopic abnormalities. Decreased capillary density, tortuosity, microhaemorrhages, dilated capillaries, avascular areas and ramifications might also be present in glaucoma, while in essential hypertension a reduced capillary density might be expected. CONCLUSION Abnormal capillaroscopic findings are not uncommon even in individuals with no CTD. Therefore, presence of comorbidities known to potentially affect the microvascular array should always be investigated in patients undergoing NC and the interpretation of findings might be weighted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nerenxa Ajasllari
- Department of Rheumatology, UHC Mother Teresa, Rruga e Dibrës 372, Tirana, AL, 1000, Albania.
| | - Luana Mancarella
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Veronica Brusi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Meliconi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Section of Rheumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ursini
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Section of Rheumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
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