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Angeloudi E, Anyfanti P, Dara A, Pagkopoulou E, Bekiari E, Sgouropoulou V, Garyfallos A, Doumas M, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Peripheral nailfold capillary microscopic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with arterial stiffness: Results from a cross-sectional study. Microvasc Res 2023; 150:104576. [PMID: 37414357 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104576] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular injury eventually resulting in the establishment of cardiovascular disease is a serious complication in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a non-invasive imaging modality that enables the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the peripheral microvasculature. Nevertheless, capillaroscopic patterns remain inadequately defined in RA, especially regarding their clinical significance as potential markers of systemic vascular impairment. Consecutive RA patients underwent NVC using a standardized protocol, to assess the following parameters: capillary density, avascular areas, capillary dimensions, microhemorrhages, subpapillary venous plexus, and presence of ramified, bushy, crossed and tortuous capillaries. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure were measured as well-acknowledged markers of large artery stiffening. The vast majority of our cohort (n = 44) presented a combination of non-specific and abnormal capillaroscopic parameters. Capillary ramification was associated with both PWV and pulse pressure, even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and systemic inflammation. Our study highlights the high prevalence of a wide range of capillaroscopic deviations from the normal patterns in RA. Furthermore, it provides for the first time evidence of an association between structural disorders of the microcirculation and markers of macrovascular dysfunction, suggesting that NVC might have a role as an index of generalised vascular impairment in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Sgouropoulou
- 1st Department of Paediatrics, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK; School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Lim MW, Setjiadi D, Dobbin SJ, Lang NN, Delles C, Connelly PJ. Nailfold video-capillaroscopy in the study of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Blood Press Monit 2023; 28:24-32. [PMID: 36281701 PMCID: PMC9815820 DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) is an inexpensive method of assessing microcirculation. We reviewed the literature to assess whether changes to the nailfold capillaries exist in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for original research articles relating to the use of noninvasive microvascular assessment in patients with CVD. Methodological quality was assessed with the 'Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies.' The results obtained from NVC were analysed qualitatively and compared with other forms of microvascular assessment. RESULTS In total 2759 articles were screened, of which 22 studies involving 562 patients (~40% women) with CVD were included. Mean age ranged between 3.7-68.4 years (cases) and 4.0-58.0 years (controls). Reduced capillary density and increased capillary dimensions were seen in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Among patients with systemic sclerosis, advanced scleroderma patterns can be used to identify patients with or at risk of developing PAH. Functional nailfold changes precede structural changes in patients with hypertension. However, the studies were heterogeneous in the diagnosis of disease and the measurement of nailfold parameters. Most studies did not exclude conditions with altered nailfold features, and only one study performed a power calculation. Furthermore, abnormal nailfold findings are present in patients without systemic disease. CONCLUSIONS Structural and functional changes to the nailfold are a feature of established CVD and precede the development of PAH. However, heterogeneity in measurement and abnormal findings in healthy participants limit their use in the wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W.S. Lim
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dellaneira Setjiadi
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen J.H. Dobbin
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ninian N. Lang
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul J. Connelly
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Anyfanti P, Angeloudi E, Dara A, Arvanitaki A, Bekiari E, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for the Evaluation of Peripheral Microangiopathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081167. [PMID: 36013346 PMCID: PMC9410266 DOI: 10.3390/life12081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and refractory autoimmune joint disease that affects multiple organs. Several methods have been applied for the study of microvascular endothelial dysfunction, which is considered an important component of vascular disease in RA. Implementation of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) represents a viable choice, as the skin is an easily accessible window for the non-invasive, real-time assessment of subtle microcirculation abnormalities. Although NVC is routinely used in the rheumatology field, especially for the diagnostic workout of Raynaud’s phenomenon, accumulating evidence suggests a role in the evaluation of systemic vasculopathy associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders. The current paper aims to provide an overview of NVC as a valuable clinical aid for the assessment of peripheral microcirculation in RA. Previous studies characterizing the capillaroscopic pattern in RA are summarized, along with associations with disease-related characteristics. Most available reports have mainly focused on the descriptions of non-specific morphological alterations that may reflect endothelial injury over the course of the disease. Still, the exact pattern of structural and functional capillaroscopic alterations and their clinical significance in RA remains a subject of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
| | - Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
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Arvanitaki A, Gatzoulis MA, Opotowsky AR, Khairy P, Dimopoulos K, Diller GP, Giannakoulas G, Brida M, Griselli M, Grünig E, Montanaro C, Alexander PD, Ameduri R, Mulder BJM, D'Alto M. Eisenmenger Syndrome: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:1183-1198. [PMID: 35331414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although major breakthroughs in the field of pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, intervention, and overall care improved the outlook of congenital heart disease, Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is still encountered and remains a complex clinical entity with multisystem involvement, including secondary erythrocytosis, increased thrombotic and bleeding diathesis, high arrhythmogenic risk, progressive heart failure, and premature death. Clearly, care for ES is best delivered in multidisciplinary expert centers. In this review, we discuss the considerable recent progress in understanding the complex pathophysiology of ES, means of prognostication, and improvement in clinical outcomes achieved with pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies. Additionally, we delineate areas of uncertainty in various aspects of care, discuss gaps in current evidence, and review current status in less privileged countries and propose initiatives to reduce disease burden. Finally, we propose the application of emerging technologies to enhance the delivery and quality of health care related to ES and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Cardiology III - Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael A Gatzoulis
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Alexander R Opotowsky
- The Cincinnati Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul Khairy
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Konstantinos Dimopoulos
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerhard-Paul Diller
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology III - Adult Congenital and Valvular Heart Disease, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster, Germany
| | - George Giannakoulas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Margarita Brida
- Division of Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Massimo Griselli
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, and German Center of Lung Research (DZL), TLRC Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Montanaro
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter David Alexander
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Ameduri
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Barbara J M Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michele D'Alto
- Department of Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital - "L. Vanvitelli" University, Naples, Italy.
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Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with and without Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071528. [PMID: 33917407 PMCID: PMC8038744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is a leading cause of mortality in SSc. The extent of peripheral microvasculopathy assessed through nailfold capillaroscopy might correlate with the presence of PAH in SSc patients. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and performed a random effects meta-analysis of observational studies comparing nailfold capillaroscopic alterations in SSc-PAH versus SSc-noPAH patients. Weighted mean differences (WMD) with the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Seven studies with 101 SSc-PAH and 277 SSc-noPAH participants were included. Capillary density was marginally reduced in the SSc-PAH group (WMD: -1.0, 95% CI: -2.0 to 0.0, I2 = 86%). This effect was strengthened once PAH diagnosis was confirmed by right heart catheterization (WMD: -1.2, 95% CI: -2.3 to -0.1, I2 = 85%). An increase in capillary loop width was observed in SSc-PAH compared to SSc-noPAH patients (WMD: 10.9, 95% CI: 2.5 to 19.4, I2 = 78%). Furthermore, SSc-PAH patients had a 7.3 times higher likelihood of active or late scleroderma pattern (95% CI: 3.0 to 18.0, I2 = 4%). SSc-PAH patients presented with worse nailfold capillaroscopic findings compared to SSc-noPAH patients.
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