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Amaral MC, Paula FS, Caetano J, Rj Ames P, Alves JD. Re-evaluation of nailfold capillaroscopy in discriminating primary from secondary Raynaud's phenomenon and in predicting systemic sclerosis: a randomised observational prospective cohort study. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38465507 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2313642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Raynaud's phenomenon (pRP) is difficult to distinguish from secondary (sRP). Although nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) may detect early alterations, no universal criteria yet discriminate between pRP from sRP. OBJECTIVES To create and validate two NFC scores that could distinguish pRP from sRP and that could predict systemic sclerosis (SSc), respectively. METHODS We performed NFC on two separate cohorts with isolated RP, and recorded number of capillaries per field, enlarged/giant capillaries, crossed/bizarre patterns, microhemorrhages, neoangiogenesis, rarefaction, edema, blood flow velocity, stasis. By multivariate regression analysis, we evaluated the adjusted prognostic role of these features in a derivation cohort of 656 patients. Results were used to construct algorithm-based prognostic scores (A and B). These scores were then tested on a confirmation cohort of 219 patients. RESULTS Score A was unable to discriminate sRP from pRP (low negative predictive values with high positive predictive values for any cut-point); score B was unable to discriminate progression to SSc or a SSc-spectrum disorder (low positive predictive values with high negative predictive values for lower cut-points). CONCLUSION NFC patterns, believed as specific, showed low discriminatory power and on their own are unable to reliably discriminate sRP from pRP or predict evolution to SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Amaral
- Immune response and vascular disease, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- UDIMS - Unidade de Doenças Imuno-Mediadas Sistémicas, Departamento de Medicina IV, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E, Amadora, Portugal
| | - F Seguro Paula
- Immune response and vascular disease, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- UDIMS - Unidade de Doenças Imuno-Mediadas Sistémicas, Departamento de Medicina IV, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Joana Caetano
- Immune response and vascular disease, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- UDIMS - Unidade de Doenças Imuno-Mediadas Sistémicas, Departamento de Medicina IV, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Paul Rj Ames
- Immune response and vascular disease, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Haematology, Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary, Cargenbridge, Scotland, UK
| | - J Delgado Alves
- Immune response and vascular disease, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- UDIMS - Unidade de Doenças Imuno-Mediadas Sistémicas, Departamento de Medicina IV, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E, Amadora, Portugal
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Okabe T, Kunikata H, Yasuda M, Kodama S, Maeda Y, Nakano J, Takeno D, Fuse N, Nakazawa T. Relationship between nailfold capillaroscopy parameters and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:759-768. [PMID: 37874367 PMCID: PMC10907418 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06220-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether non-invasive measurements of the nailfold capillaries (NCs) are associated with the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Eighty-three eyes of 83 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Sixty-three age-matched non-diabetic subjects served as controls. Diabetic patients were classified by the severity of their DR: non-DR (NDR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). We used nailfold capillaroscopy to measure NC parameters, including number, length, width, and turbidity. RESULTS Four NC parameters in the diabetic patients were significantly lower than in the controls (all P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in the NC parameters along with the increasing severity of DR (number: P = 0.02; all others: P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that combining the systemic characteristics of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin A1c level, and history of hypertension and dyslipidemia could indicate the presence of DR and PDR (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.81, P = 0.006; AUC = 0.87, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the discriminative power of DR was significantly improved (P = 0.03) by adding NC length to the systemic findings (AUC = 0.89, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION NC measurement is a simple and non-invasive way to assess the risk of DR and its severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsu Okabe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunikata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Yasuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Kodama
- Department of Metabolism and Diabetes, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuta Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
- At Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Nobuo Fuse
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Kouwenberg CV, Spierings J, de Groot EL, de Boer JH, Kalinina Ayuso V. Involvement of the systemic microcirculation in pediatric uveitis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2023; 21:109. [PMID: 37784087 PMCID: PMC10544362 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric uveitis is a severe inflammatory ocular condition that can lead to sight-threatening complications and can negatively impact quality of life. The retinal microcirculation is often affected in intermediate uveitis and panuveitis. Here, we examined the extraocular (i.e., systemic) microcirculation in pediatric uveitis cases and healthy controls using nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC). METHODS We performed NFC in 119 children with noninfectious uveitis and 25 healthy pediatric controls, and assessed the following parameters: capillary density (number of capillaries/mm), dilated capillaries (apex > 20 µm), avascular area, the presence of microhemorrhages, and capillary morphology. Differences in NFC parameters between cases and controls were calculated using regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex. RESULTS The mean (± SD) age of the patient group was 13.7 (± 3) years, with 56% females; 46%, 18%, and 36% of cases presented as anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, and panuveitis, respectively, with an overall mean disease duration of 4.7 (± 4.0) years. Compared to the control group, the pediatric uveitis cases had a significantly higher number of dilated capillaries/mm and a higher prevalence of ramified capillaries. Moreover, compared to the control group the intermediate uveitis cases had a significantly higher number of dilated capillaries, whereas the anterior uveitis cases had a lower capillary density and a higher prevalence of ramified capillaries. CONCLUSIONS Children with uveitis without systemic disease can present with changes in systemic microcirculation. These changes vary amongst the subtypes of uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlyn V Kouwenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
| | - Julia Spierings
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Evianne L de Groot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Joke H de Boer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Viera Kalinina Ayuso
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
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Martino F, Barilla' F, Martino E, Placanica G, Paravati V, Bassareo PP. Nailfold capillaroscopy reveals early peripheral microcirculation abnormalities in children affected by heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Microvasc Res 2023; 148:104545. [PMID: 37146675 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND nailfold capillaroscopy (NCF) is a non-invasive imaging technique to seek peripheral microcirculation abnormalities in children and adults. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder caused by mutations capable of increasing blood levels of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), thus triggering early atherosclerosis. The study aims at evaluating peripheral microcirculation in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) by means of NFC in comparison with healthy peers and at searching for possible correlations between these abnormalities and patients' lipid panel. METHODS thirty-six HeFH patients were enrolled (13 males and 23 females. Mean age 8 ± 3 years; age range 3-13 years). They had increased levels of total cholesterol (237.9 ± 34.2 mg/dl) and LDL-C (154.2 ± 37.6 mg/dl). Both values were ≥95th gender and age specific centile. All the subjects in the study underwent NFC. RESULTS In 69.4 % of HeFH children nailfold capillaries were tortuous (p < 0.00001 compared to healthy controls). In 41.6 % the number of capillaries was markedly reduced (<7 capillaries/mm). The mean number of capillaries was 8.4 ± 2.6/mm in HeFH and 12.2 ± 1.4/mm in healthy controls (p < 0.00001). In 100 % of the sample size capillary blood flow was slowed down (p < 0.00001). In 50 % of the sample size a blood "sludge" phenomenon was seen (p < 0.00001). No gender differences were detected. Sludge phenomenon was seen only in those with LDL-C over 99th centile (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION NCF allows the identification of an early peripheral microvascular dysfunction in HeFH children which is similar to that already seen in atherosclerotic disease. Prompt identification of these capillary abnormalities may be crucial in implementing early prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Martino
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Internal Medicine, Anaesthesiology, and Cardiovascular Sciences, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Barilla'
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Martino
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Internal Medicine, Anaesthesiology, and Cardiovascular Sciences, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Placanica
- Department of Cardiovascular, Nephrological, Anaesthesiological, and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Paravati
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Internal Medicine, Anaesthesiology, and Cardiovascular Sciences, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Bassareo
- University College of Dublin, School of Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Lazar LT, Guldberg-Møller J, Lazar BT, Mogensen M. Nailfold capillaroscopy as diagnostic test in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review. Microvasc Res 2023; 147:104476. [PMID: 36657709 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Up to 30 % of patients with psoriasis (PsO) develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and diagnosis can be difficult. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is an easily applicable, non-invasive procedure to assess skin microcirculation. This systematic review investigates NC as diagnostic tool for PsO and PsA, including correlations between NC outcome measures to clinical and laboratory outcome measures. This systematic review was built on the PICO and PRISMA guidelines. In total 22 relevant studies were found Searching in the Web of Science, PubMed and Embase, latest update June 13th, 2022. The following NC outcome measures are found to be significantly more prevalent in PsO patients than healthy controls: reduced density, reduced length and more abnormal morphology. Likewise, in PsA patients, reduced density, more abnormal morphology, more microhaemorrhages and fewer hairpin shapes are found to be significantly more prevalent. Results were non-conclusive in terms of disease activity and duration with NC findings. Random-effects meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of density in PsO patients compared to healthy controls (studies: 6, n = 249; SMD = -0.91; 95 % CI [-1.41, -0.40], p = 0.0058, heterogeneity I2=74 %, AUC = 0.740) and in PsA patients compared to healthy controls (studies: 5, n = 130; SMD = -1.22; 95 % CI [-2.38, -0.06], p = 0.0432, heterogeneity I2=89 %, AUC = 0.806). No NC outcome measures were overall conclusive in differentiating PsO from PsA. Considering the conflicting results and small sample sizes further large-scale research on the identification of capillaroscopic changes in PsO and PsA and correlations with standardised clinical and laboratory outcome measures are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Lazar
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - J Guldberg-Møller
- Department of Rheumatology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University Hospitals of Copenhagen, The Parker Institute, Denmark
| | - B T Lazar
- Department of Photonics, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - M Mogensen
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark; Dept. of Clinical Medicine. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sedaghat B, Raeeskarami SR, Tahghighi F, Assari R, Aghaei-Moghadam E, Razavi-Khorasani N, Najafizadeh SR, Ziaee V. The role of nailfold capillaroscopy in pediatric patients with Kawasaki disease. Reumatol Clin (Engl Ed) 2023; 19:255-259. [PMID: 37147061 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold capillaroscopy has been used as a non-invasive diagnostic method for microvasculature evaluation in various rheumatological disorders. The present study aimed to determine the utility of nailfold capillaroscopy in the diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease (KD). METHOD In this case-control study nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in 31 patients with KD and 30 healthy controls. All nailfold images were evaluated for capillary distribution and capillary morphology such as enlargement, tortuosity, and dilatation of the capillaries. RESULT Abnormal capillaroscopic diameter was identified in 21 patients from the KD group and 4 patients in the control group. The most common abnormality in capillary diameter was irregular dilatation in 11 (35.4%) KD patients and in 4 people (13.3%) in the control group. Distortions of the normal capillary architecture was commonly seen in the KD group (n=8). A positive correlation was observed between coronary involvement and abnormal capillaroscopic results (r=.65, P<.03). The sensitivity and specificity of capillaroscopy for the diagnosis of KD were 84.0% (95%CI: 63.9-95.5%) and 72.2% (95%CI: 54.8-85.8%), respectively. The PPV and NPV of capillaroscopy for KD were 67.7% (95%CI: 48.6-83.3) and 86.7% (95% CI: 69.3-96.2), respectively. CONCLUSION Capillary alterations are more common in KD patients compared to control group. Thus, nailfold capillaroscopy can be useful in detecting these alterations. Capillaroscopy is a sensitive test for detecting capillary alternations in KD patients. It could be used as a feasible diagnostic modality for evaluating microvascular damage in KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Sedaghat
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Research Group, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed-Reza Raeeskarami
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Society of Iran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tahghighi
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Society of Iran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Assari
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Society of Iran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Aghaei-Moghadam
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Razavi-Khorasani
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Society of Iran, Iran; Rheumatology Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed-Reza Najafizadeh
- Rheumatology Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Ziaee
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Rheumatology Society of Iran, Iran; Rheumatology Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Taniguchi EV, Almeida INF, Gracitelli CPB, Agapito C, Zett C, Sant'Ana L, Kayser C, Prata TS, Paranhos A. Peripheral Microvascular Abnormalities Associated with Open-Angle Glaucoma. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2023; 6:291-299. [PMID: 36307064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate peripheral microvascular abnormalities associated with patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Patients with OAG and controls. METHODS All subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, including Humphrey visual field (HVF) tests and swept source OCT. To evaluate peripheral microvascular abnormalities, nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) and laser Doppler imaging (LDI) were performed. The presence of microhemorrhages, tortuous capillaries, dilated capillaries, avascular areas, and the capillary density, among other characteristics, were recorded using NFC; fingertip blood flow (FBF) was measured using LDI at different time points, before and 1, 10, and 20 minutes after exposure to a cold stimulus. In addition, venous blood samples were collected to measure serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations as well as serum autoantibodies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of microhemorrhages, tortuous capillaries, and dilated capillaries; FBF; ET-1; and autoantibodies. RESULTS Sixty-eight subjects (43 patients with OAG and 25 controls) were enrolled in the study. Microhemorrhages were found in the nail bed of 65.1% of the patients with OAG compared with 25.0% of the controls (P = 0.003). There was a significant difference in the mean FBF at the baseline in patients with OAG versus controls (293.6 ± 100.2 vs 388.8 ± 52.0 perfusion units, respectively, P < 0.001), together with a significant decrease in the mean FBF 10 and 20 minutes after cold stimulus in patients with OAG in comparison to controls (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). There was a positive correlation between mean baseline FBF and HVF mean deviation (r = 0.27, P = 0.03) and between mean baseline FBF and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r = 0.44, P = 0.001). Neither the analysis of ET-1 concentrations (P= 0.71) nor the autoantibodies measurements (P > 0.05, for all) showed any difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Significant peripheral microvascular abnormalities were found in patients with OAG compared to controls, suggesting that microvascular changes might play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, part of these peripheral microvascular abnormalities seems to be correlated with both functional and structural glaucomatous damage. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise V Taniguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital de Olhos de Blumenau, Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Izabela N F Almeida
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina P B Gracitelli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Centro de Estudos Alcides Hirai, Ver Mais Oftalmologia, Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Cecília Agapito
- Department of Rheumatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio Zett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Letícia Sant'Ana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Kayser
- Department of Rheumatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago S Prata
- Glaucoma Unit, Hospital Medicina dos Olhos, Osasco, Brazil; Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida; Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Service, Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba - BOS, Sorocaba, Brazil
| | - Augusto Paranhos
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Glaucoma Service, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Acemoğlu ŞŞZ, Türk İ, Aşık MA, Bircan AÖ, Deniz PP, Arslan D, Hanta İ, Ünal İ. Microvascular damage evaluation based on nailfold videocapillarosopy in sarcoidosis. Clin Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s10067-023-06582-z. [PMID: 36964448 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Microvascular damage is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. We aimed to evaluate the nailfold capillaroscopy (NVC) pattern to detect microvascular changes in patients with sarcoidosis and the relationship of capillaroscopic parameters with clinical variables and disease-related measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-two patients with sarcoidosis and 42 age- and sex-matched patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy individuals were included in this cross-sectional case-control study. Patients aged 18-80 years who met the current American Thoracic Society criteria for sarcoidosis were included. NVC was performed by a digital microscope under a magnification of × 200. Capillary density, number of dilated, giant and neoangiogenic capillaries, capillary loop diameter, capillary shape, micro-hemorrhages, and number of avascular areas, were evaluated by an assessor who was blind to the groups allocation. RESULTS Among the capillaroscopic parameters, neoangiogenesis and dilated capillaries, which can be seen in the pattern of scleroderma, were detected in patients with sarcoidosis but not significantly different from the control group (p = 0.055; p = 0.433, respectively). The rate of tortuosity and crossing capillaries of 50% and above was significantly higher in the sarcoidosis group than in SSc and healthy controls (p < 0.05). In patients with sarcoidosis, the only statistically significant finding was; forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in one second was lower in patients with a crossed capillary rate > 50% than in patients with a crossed capillary rate of less than 50% (FEV1; 87.21 ± 19.3, 102.5 ± 14.8, p = 0.04; respectively). CONCLUSION Patients with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis have different capillaroscopic patterns. The presence of these nonspecific abnormal patterns may reflect microvascular damage in the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis. Key Points • Microvascular damage may play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. • There may be some nonspecific abnormal findings in capillaroscopy findings in sarcoidosis. • Capillaroscopy may be valuable in reflecting sarcoidosis lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şerife Şeyda Zengin Acemoğlu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - İpek Türk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Aşık
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Özdoğan Bircan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Pelin Pınar Deniz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Didem Arslan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - İsmail Hanta
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - İlker Ünal
- Department of Biostatistic, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy is a safe and well-established method for the assessment of structural alterations of the microcirculation. It is a crucial tool in the investigation and monitoring of patients presenting with Raynaud's phenomenon. Detection of the characteristic "scleroderma pattern" on capillaroscopy may indicate an underlying rheumatic disease, particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc). Herein, we highlight the practical aspects of videocapillaroscopy, including image acquisition and analysis, with mention of dermoscopy. Special emphasis is placed on standardized use of terminology to describe capillary characteristics. Systematic evaluation of images in discerning the normal from the abnormal using the validated European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Study Group consensus reporting framework is paramount. In addition to the relevance of capillaroscopy in the (very) early diagnosis of SSc, its emerging predictive value (especially capillary loss) for new organ involvement and disease progression is underscored. We further provide capillaroscopic findings in selected other rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - Claudia Ickinger
- Division of Rheumatology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcus Snow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tracy Frech
- Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy - IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic, Genoa, Italy
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10
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Bairwa D, Kavadichanda CG, Dunga S, Mathew A, G A, M S G, Mamatha G, Thabah MM, Negi VS. Effect of skin phototype on quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy. J Scleroderma Relat Disord 2022; 7:197-203. [PMID: 36211202 PMCID: PMC9537707 DOI: 10.1177/23971983221102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the impact of Fitzpatrick scale-based skin phototype on visualization of capillary density using nailfold capillaroscopy in healthy Indian adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, healthy adults were examined for nailfold capillaroscopy findings utilizing a portable capillary microscope at 800× magnification. Photographs of two contiguous areas measuring 1 mm2 each of the distal row of capillaries were captured. Images were captured from the central area of all fingers except thumb in both hands. Capillary density and morphology of nailfold capillaroscopies were assessed by two blinded assessors. The nailfold capillaroscopy parameters were compared between the Standard Fitzpatrick scale-based skin phototypes. Results A total of 118 healthy adults were enrolled in the study. Type III, IV, V, and VI skin phototypes were seen in 27 (22.90%), 32 (27.19%), 29 (24.58%), and 30 (25.42%) participants, respectively. All participants (100%) had normal nailfold capillaroscopy morphology and architecture. Zero capillaries were visible in 11 fingers among 5 patients (4.24%) and all of them had Type VI phototype. The median capillary density per mm was 5.19 (interquartile range = 4.37-6.75) with 90 (76.27%) participants having less than seven capillaries. The median average capillary density was significantly different (p-value < 0.0001) across Type III (8.13, interquartile range = 6.44-8.88), Type IV (5.67, interquartile range = 4.41-6.98), Type V (4.94, interquartile range = 4.19-5.38), and Type VI (4.53, interquartile range = 3.72-4.91) phototypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion The number of capillaries visualized during nailfold capillaroscopy decreases as the skin pigmentation increases. There is a need to redefine the nailfold capillaroscopy density and avascularity by taking skin phototype as one of the determinants before labeling a nailfold capillaroscopy finding with less visualized capillaries as abnormal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devender Bairwa
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Chengappa G Kavadichanda
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Saikumar Dunga
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Anoop Mathew
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Aishwarya G
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Gayathri M S
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Gorijavolu Mamatha
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Molly Mary Thabah
- Department of Clinical Immunology,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER),
Pondicherry, India
| | - Vir Singh Negi
- All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, Bilaspur, India
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11
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Mastrangelo G, Meneghel A, Martini G, Moretti C, Zulian F. Juvenile diabetes and systemic sclerosis: just a coincidence? Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2022; 20:81. [PMID: 36089600 PMCID: PMC9465903 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-022-00741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited joint mobility (LJM), previously known as cheiroarthropathy, refers to the presence of reduced extension at the finger joints in people with diabetes and may be associated with scleroderma-like syndromes such as diabetic sclerodactyly. While scleroderma-like syndromes and LJM have been observed in patients with long-term diabetes and associated complications, the coexistence of diabetes with Juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is rarely described. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with long-lasting type 1 diabetes (T1D) and suspected LJM associated with Raynaud phenomenon, sclerodactyly and tapering of the fingertips. A comprehensive work-up showed positive autoantibodies (ANA, anti-Ro-52, anti-Mi-2b), abnormal nailfold capillaroscopy with a scleroderma pattern, interstitial lung disease and cardiac involvement. The overall clinical picture was consistent with the diagnosis of jSSc. CONCLUSIONS LJM can be the initial sign of underlying systemic sclerosis. Nailfold capillaroscopy may help differentiate jSSc from classical LJM in pediatric patients with T1D and finger contractures or skin induration of no clear origin. This case report provides a starting point for a novel hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of jSSc. The association between T1D and jSSc may be more than a coincidence and could suggest a relationship between glucose metabolism, fibrosis and microangiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Mastrangelo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Alessandra Meneghel
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Martini
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Moretti
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Diabetology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Zulian
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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12
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De Lorenzis E, Natalello G, Verardi L, Cerasuolo PG, Gigante L, D'Agostino MA, Bosello SL. Sudden winter iloprost withdrawal in scleroderma patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Microvasc Res 2022; 144:104404. [PMID: 35835174 PMCID: PMC9271454 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Intravenous iloprost is currently recommended in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) refractory to oral therapy and of digital ulcers (DUs) related to systemic sclerosis (SSc). In real-life practice there is a huge heterogeneity about the Iloprost regimens used. Methods A survey was carried out on SSc patients that interrupted Iloprost infusion to compare acral vascular symptoms just before Iloprost withdrawal and just after the missed infusion. Severity, and frequency of RP, new DUs onset or aggravation of those pre-existing were reported. Last available capillaroscopic images were also evaluated. Results The analysis includes 50 patients. After iloprost withdrawal, 11 patients reported a RP worsening because of enhanced intensity (p = 0.007). Only 8 patients of them also complained of an increased frequency (p = 0.07). None of the patients experienced digital ulcers for the first-time during quarantine. Among the 27 patients with a history of digital ulcers, 9 reported worsening and 7 recurrence of DUs. Overall, 17 patients (34.0 %) complained of a worsening of SSc vascular acral manifestations, namely RP or DUs. Reduced capillary density was associated with RP worsening, in particular, each unit increase of capillary density corresponds to an average 44 % decrease in the odds of RP worsening (OR 0.56, CI 95 % 0.36–0.97, p = 0.037). As for RP worsening, the aggravation of DU was associated with a lower capillary density. Conclusions Low capillary density can predict a worsening of both RP and DUs in controlled quarantine conditions within a month after iloprost discontinuation in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico De Lorenzis
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Gerlando Natalello
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Verardi
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Giacomo Cerasuolo
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Gigante
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta D'Agostino
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Laura Bosello
- Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS - Rome, Italy.
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13
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Senet P. [Paroxysmal vascular acrosyndromes: Practical approach to diagnosis and management]. Rev Med Interne 2022; 43:596-602. [PMID: 35835622 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2022.03.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal vascular acrosyndromes are related to a peripheral vasomotor disorder and presented as paroxysmal color changes of the fingers. They include primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), which is the most common, secondary RP and erythermalgia. They are to be distinguished from non-paroxysmal acrosyndromes such as acrocyanosis and chilblains, which are very frequent and often associated with RP, digital ischemia and necrosis, spontaneous digital hematoma and acrocholosis. The challenge of a consultation for a vascular acrosyndrome is to make positive diagnosis through history and clinical examination, and to specify its nature, to prescribe complementary exams. In any patient consulting for RP, assessment includes at least an antinuclear antibody test and capillaroscopy. For erythermalgia, a blood count and even a search for JAK2 mutation are required. A thryoid-stimulating hormon assay, a test for antinuclear antibodies, and a search for small fiber neuropathy are also performed. The treatment of RP is essentially documented for secondary RP where calcium channel blockers are indicated in first line, and iloprost in severe cases. The treatment of primitive erythermalgia is based on sodium channel blockers such as mexiletine or lidocaine infusions, and on drugs effective on neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin or amitryptiline, in case of erythermalgia associated with small fiber neuropathy. The treatment of erythermalgia associated with myeloproliferative syndromes is based on etiological treatment and aspirin.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Senet
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Tenon, 4, rue de la Chine, 75970 Paris cedex 20, France.
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14
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Munguía-Realpozo P, García-Carrasco M, Mendoza-Pinto C, Galaviz-Silva ML, Etchegaray-Morales I, Méndez-Martínez S, Montiel-Jarquín ÁJ, Vázquez de Lara LG, Silveira LH. Absence of association between nailfold capillary findings and mild cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol 2022. [PMID: 35618964 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of vascular damage in cognitive dysfunction (CD) in SLE is not entirely understood. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a noninvasive method that may aid the description of further vascular contributions to CD in SLE. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine and compare finger nailfold capillary morphology in subjects with SLE with and without CD. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with SLE. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were collected. We evaluated nailfold capillary findings including avascular zones, hemorrhage, dilated and tortuous capillaries, disarrangement, crossing, subpapillary venular plexus, branched loops, and shortened loops by NFC. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to screen cognitive function. CD was defined as a score < 26/30. RESULTS Sixty-five females (97.0%) and 2 males (3%) with SLE were analyzed. Means of age and disease duration were 44.3 ± 12.0 years and 15.5 ± 7.6 years, respectively. Thirty-five (54.7%) patients had CD. The rate of patients with ≥ 1 NFC abnormality was 50% in both patients with and without CD (P = 0.14). Eight (22.8%) patients with CD compared to 1 without (3.5%) displayed dilated capillaries (P = 0.036). Other NFC abnormalities differed between patients with and without CD, but the possible relationships between dilated capillaries and CD disappeared after adjusting by age, diabetes, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS NFC findings were not associated with mild CD in patients with SLE. Our exploratory data do not support systemic microvasculopathy measured by NFC related to CD in patients with SLE.
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15
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Sulli A, Gotelli E, Bica PF, Schiavetti I, Pizzorni C, Aloè T, Grosso M, Barisione E, Paolino S, Smith V, Cutolo M. Detailed videocapillaroscopic microvascular changes detectable in adult COVID-19 survivors. Microvasc Res 2022; 142:104361. [PMID: 35339493 PMCID: PMC8942583 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 is a multisystem disease that causes endothelial dysfunction and organ damage. Aim of the study was to evaluate the microvascular status in COVID-19 survivors with past different disease severity, in comparison with age and sex-matched primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) patients and control subjects (CNT), including possible effects of concomitant therapies. Methods Sixty-one COVID-19 survivors (mean age 58 ± 13 years, mean days from disease onset 126 ± 53 and mean days from recovery 104 ± 53), thirty-one PRP patients (mean age 59 ± 15 years, mean disease duration 11 ± 10 years) and thirty CNT (mean age 58 ± 13 years) underwent nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) examination. The following capillaroscopic parameters were searched and scored (0–3): dilated capillaries, giant capillaries, isolated microhemorrhages, capillary ramifications (angiogenesis) and capillary number, including absolute capillary number per linear millimeter at the nailfold bed. Results The mean nailfold capillary number per linear millimeter was significantly lower in COVID-19 survivors when compared with PRP patients and CNT (univariate and multivariate analysis p < 0.001). On the contrary, COVID-19 survivors showed significantly less isolated microhemorrhages than PRP patients and CNT (univariate and multivariate analysis, p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between COVID-19 survivors and control groups concerning the frequency of dilated capillaries and capillary ramifications. COVID-19 selective therapies showed a promising trend on preserving capillary loss and deserving further investigations. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 seems to mainly induce a significant loss of capillaries in COVID-19 survivors at detailed NVC analysis in comparison to controls. The presence of a significant reduced score for isolated microhaemorrhages in COVID-19 survivors deserves further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Francesco Bica
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Schiavetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy.
| | - Teresita Aloè
- Interventional Pneumology Unit, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Grosso
- Interventional Pneumology Unit, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Barisione
- Interventional Pneumology Unit, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (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, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy.
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16
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Chebbi PP, Goel R, Ramya J, Gowri M, Herrick A, Danda D. Nailfold capillaroscopy changes associated with anti-RNP antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatol Int 2021. [PMID: 34076720 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Anti-U1RNP antibody is associated with distinct organ involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) allows non-invasive assessment of microvascular abnormalities in several connective tissue diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the association of anti-U1RNP antibody with microvascular changes by NFC in RNP-positive SLE patients in comparison with RNP-negative SLE patients (negative disease controls) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) cases (positive disease controls). NFC examination was performed in consecutive patients with SLE with or without anti-U1RNP positivity. MCTD patients were recruited as disease controls. Abnormalities noted in the three groups were compared using non-parametric tests. Ordinal logistic or linear regression was used wherever applicable. 81 patients were studied, of whom 28 were diagnosed as RNP-positive SLE (age 30.0 ± 10.37; 26 females), 26 were RNP-negative SLE (age 29.42 ± 9.20; 25 females) and 27 had MCTD (age36.5 ± 9.70; 25 females). RNP-positive SLE patients had more frequent giant capillaries, enlarged capillaries and ramified capillaries as compared to RNP-negative SLE (p = 0.05, < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The capillary density was lower in patients with MCTD as compared with patients with RNP-positive SLE (5.11 ± 1.69/mm vs 7.25 ± 1.38/ mm, p < 0.01) and RNP-negative SLE (8.92 ± 1.13/mm, p < 0.01). The reduction in capillary density was less severe in patients with RNP-negative SLE as compared with RNP-positive SLE (OR = 0.1058 [95% CI = 0.02-0.546], p < 0.01) which was independent of the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, interstitial lung disease and disease duration. Presence of anti-U1RNP antibody is associated with notable patterns of microvascular abnormalities in SLE. These NFC abnormalities are noted more profoundly in patients with MCTD and are less marked in RNP-negative SLE patients.
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Shikama M, Sonoda N, Morimoto A, Suga S, Tajima T, Kozawa J, Maeda N, Otsuki M, Matsuoka T, Shimomura I, Ohno Y. Association of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Investig 2021; 12:1007-1014. [PMID: 33070436 PMCID: PMC8169354 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION Crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold might potentially be a novel diabetic retinopathy (DR) biomarker that could be assessed non-invasively in the clinical setting. However, the association between crossing capillaries and DR is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between the percentage of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (aged 40-75 years) who visited the outpatient diabetic clinic at Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan, between May and October 2019. Capillary morphology was assessed using nailfold capillaroscopy based on the simple capillaroscopic definitions of the European League Against Rheumatism Study Group. Details of DR and other laboratory data were obtained from medical records. The association between the tertile of the percentage of the crossing capillary and DR was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and antihyperlipidemic medication, the percentage of crossing capillaries was significantly associated with DR (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for increasing tertiles of the percentage of crossing capillary: 1 [reference], 2.05 [95% confidence interval 0.53-7.94], and 4.33 [95% confidence interval 1.16-16.21]; P-trend = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS A higher percentage of crossing capillaries in the nailfold was associated with a higher risk of DR, independent of traditional risk and inhibiting factors, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Shikama
- Department of Mathematical Health ScienceGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Nao Sonoda
- Department of Fundamental NursingGraduate School of NursingOsaka Prefecture UniversityHabikinoJapan
| | - Akiko Morimoto
- Department of Fundamental NursingGraduate School of NursingOsaka Prefecture UniversityHabikinoJapan
| | - Sayaka Suga
- Department of Mathematical Health ScienceGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Tetsuya Tajima
- Department of Mathematical Health ScienceGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Junji Kozawa
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
- Department of Diabetes Care MedicineGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Norikazu Maeda
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
- Department of Metabolism and AtherosclerosisGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Michio Otsuki
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
| | - Taka‐Aki Matsuoka
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
| | - Iichiro Shimomura
- Department of Metabolic MedicineOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuitaJapan
| | - Yuko Ohno
- Department of Mathematical Health ScienceGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
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Arslan NG, Pancar GS. Nailfold capillaroscopic changes of sleep apnea patients. Microvasc Res 2021; 137:104177. [PMID: 33984340 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) have frequent association with comorbidities and this makes it an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Not only endothelial dysfunction, but also arterial stiffening, increased inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress after hypoxemia that develops due to OSAS, cause vascular pathologies in all diameters of vessels. Nail bed capillaroscopy is a simple, noninvasive, useful method to examine microcirculation and evaluate nail bed capillary abnormalities in diseases that cause vascular damage. The aim of this study is to examine microvascular changes in the nail bed of OSAS patients by capillaroscopy. METHODS 59 OSAS patients and 60 healthy cases (totally 119) were included. One single attended polysomnography was applied with Embla N7000 series (RemLogic Eastmed, Natus); and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen de-saturation index >4% (ODI4%), minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2 Min.), total duration of oxygen desaturation, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, sleep questionnaire applications were analyzed. Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed using a digital dermoscope (Molemax II, X30) and all images were evaluated for capillary density, capillary loop enlargement, capillary tortuosity, branching vessels, micro hemorrhages, avascular areas and splinter hemorrhages. RESULTS The prevalence rates of all capillaroscopy findings were significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05). There was an inverse and moderate relationship between AHI and mean saturation (p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was detected between the presence of hypertension (HT) and the severity of capillary tortuosity (CT) (p = 0.002), avascular area (AA) (p = 0.004), and periungual cyanosis (PUC) (p = 0.042); also between smoking habit and intensity of capillary dilatation, enlargement dilatation-enlarged giant capillaries (CELON) (p = 0.004), CT (p = 0.018) findings. Capillary distribution (CD), CELON, CT and AA findings were significantly higher in the group with low mean saturation (p < 0.05). DM was found to be significantly higher in individuals with high Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION In this study; 1) the nail bed capillaroscopy was used to examine vascular damage in OSAS, and 2) irregularities detected in the distal nail bed specific to a disease have been mentioned for the first time. It has been shown that endothelial damage is particularly related to the severity of hypoxia. HT and smoking history causes endothelial damage independent of the severity of the disease and hypoxia. Also, ESS may be more determinant in the screening of sleep disorders in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevra Gullu Arslan
- Samsun Educational and Research Hospital, Department of Pulmonology, TR-55000 Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Gunseli Sefika Pancar
- Samsun Education and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology, TR-55000 İlkadim, Samsun, Turkey
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20
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Monfort JB, Chasset F, Barbaud A, Frances C, Senet P. Nailfold capillaroscopy findings in cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients with or without digital lesions and comparison with dermatomyositis patients: A prospective study. Lupus 2021; 30:1207-1213. [PMID: 33853419 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211010329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis between cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and dermatomyositis (DM) may be challenging if digital lesions occur. OBJECTIVES To compare nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) findings in CLE patients with or without digital involvement, and to compare capillaroscopic findings between CLE patients with digital lesions and DM patients. METHODS Prospective monocentric study including CLE and DM patients. NFC was performed and standardized items were recorded. RESULTS Fifty-one CLE patients and 10 DM patients with digital lesions were included. A scleroderma pattern was found in 6 patients (12%): in 5 out of 17 patients with digital lesions, compared with only 1 out of 34 patients without digital lesions (p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, CLE digital lesions and digital ulcerations were statistically associated with scleroderma pattern. CLE digital lesions were significantly associated with architectural disorganization (p = 0.0003) and capillary rarefaction (p = 0.0038). A scleroderma pattern was significantly more frequent in DM patients (80%) than in CLE patients with digital lesions (30%, p = 0.018). Capillaroscopic findings were not significantly different between CLE patients with digital lesions and DM patients. CONCLUSION Although scleroderma pattern is more frequent in DM patients than in CLE patients with digital lesions, NFC cannot formally distinguish CLE from DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Benoît Monfort
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - François Chasset
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - Annick Barbaud
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - Camille Frances
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Senet
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Service de Dermatologie et Allergologie, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
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21
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Sheikh ASF, Wilkinson J, MacIver I, Manning J, Murray A, Dinsdale G, Herrick AL. The influence of hydration and heating on visualisation of nailfold capillaries in patients with systemic sclerosis. Microvasc Res 2021; 136:104170. [PMID: 33839110 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Wilkinson
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health, UK
| | - Iain MacIver
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Joanne Manning
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrea Murray
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Graham Dinsdale
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - 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
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22
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Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to assess the nailfold capillary changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly among those with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), and the correlation between nailfold capillary changes and autoantibodies and disease activity. Patients and methods
A total of 85 patients (9 males, 76 females; median age 31 years; range, 15 to 58 years) with newly diagnosed SLE were selected between July 2016 and July 2018 from our hospital. Disease activity was scored by the SLE Disease Activity Index. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) was performed in all patients. Results
Normal pattern, non-specific pattern, and scleroderma pattern were found in 13 (15.3%), 64 (75.3%), and eight (9.4%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid, anti-Smith antibodies, and low complements (all p>0.05), while significant differences of NFC pattern were found between low disease activity and high disease activity (p=0.002). RP was present in 31.7% of SLE patients, and the NFC findings in SLE patients with and without RP were significantly different in dilatation (81.5% vs. 14.0%). Conclusion The results of our study showed that capillary changes were very common in patients with SLE, which seem to associate with disease activity and RP condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Fu-An Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Pu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
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23
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify clues to disease activity and discuss therapy options. RECENT FINDINGS The diagnostic evaluation includes documenting symmetrical proximal muscle damage by exam and MRI, as well as elevated muscle enzymes-aldolase, creatine phosphokinase, LDH, and SGOT-which often normalize with a longer duration of untreated disease. Ultrasound identifies persistent, occult muscle inflammation. The myositis-specific antibodies (MSA) and myositis-associated antibodies (MAA) are associated with specific disease course variations. Anti-NXP-2 is found in younger children and is associated with calcinosis; anti-TIF-1γ+ juvenile dermatomyositis has a longer disease course. The diagnostic rash-involving the eyelids, hands, knees, face, and upper chest-is the most persistent symptom and is associated with microvascular compromise, reflected by loss of nailfold (periungual) end row capillaries. This loss is associated with decreased bioavailability of oral prednisone; the bioavailability of other orally administered medications should also be considered. At diagnosis, at least 3 days of intravenous methyl prednisolone may help control the HLA-restricted and type 1/2 interferon-driven inflammatory process. The requirement for avoidance of ultraviolet light exposure mandates vitamin D supplementation. SUMMARY This often chronic illness targets the cardiovascular system; mortality has decreased from 30 to 1-2% with corticosteroids. New serological biomarkers indicate occult inflammation: ↑CXCL-10 predicts a longer disease course. Some biologic therapies appear promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Pachman
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Cure JM Center of Excellence in Juvenile Myositis Research and Care, The Stanley Manne Research Center for Children, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian E. Nolan
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deidre DeRanieri
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amer M. Khojah
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Chicago, IL, USA, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Bharara R, Browne R, Seydafkan S, Salciccioli L, Rehman M, Zhang Y, Tena M, Malhi P, Hanono M, Chen SX, Daich J, Lazar JM. Characterization of microvascular disease in pediatric sickle cell disease using nailfold capillaroscopy. Microvasc Res 2021; 136:104150. [PMID: 33647341 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disorder with repetitive vaso-occlusive crises resulting in microvascular obstruction and tissue ischemia that may lead to multi-organ ischemia and dysfunction. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NFC) is an imaging technique utilized in clinical rheumatology to visualize capillaries located near the fingertip. To characterize NFC abnormalities in the setting of pediatric SCD, we performed NFC using a video capillaroscope on 8 digits in 44 stable SCD patients and 65 age matched healthy controls. Mean capillary number was lower (6.4 ± 1.3 vs 7.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.001) in the SCD group compared to controls. The percentage of dilated capillaries was similar (7.1 ± 8.3 vs. 5.9 ± 8.2, p = 0.4). The large majority of capillaries visualized in the SCD and control groups were normal capillary types per the EULAR definition, with a similar percentage of normal, nonspecific capillary morphologies and abnormal types. Regarding normal capillary sub-types, the SCD group and controls exhibited similar percentages of stereotype hairpin shapes, and tortuous or once or twice crossing type capillaries. On multivariate analyses, mean capillary number was independently associated with SCD after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and gender. In conclusion, pediatric SCD is associated with lower capillary number but similar percentage of dilated capillaries and morphology on NFC. In our SCD cohort, capillary number was unrelated to our available markers of disease severity, including history of sickle crises, previous hospitalization for crises or Hemoglobin F levels.
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25
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Abstract
Background Psoriasis a chronic inflammatory skin disease manifests with microcirculatory changes within skin which may precede skin manifestations, correlate with their severity, joint involvement and resolve with treatment. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is used in rheumatology for connective tissue disorder assessment and is assuming significance in psoriasis. The aim was to study the nailfold capillaroscopic findings in patients with psoriasis. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at a skin center of a tertiary care hospital from January 2016 to June 2017. Selected cases underwent NFC using a portable color capillaroscope with an attached computer with software to analyze the nailfold capillaries for morphological parameters and abnormalities. Independent-samples t test and chi-square test was used to analyze the relationships between variables. Results Mean capillary loop density in 96% of study population was subnormal (<9 capillaries/mm), mean arterial limb diameter 11.37 ± 2.434μ; mean venous limb diameter 15.89 ± 3.131μ, top of the loop diameter 14.41 ± 4.373μ and length of the loop was 152.51 ± 57.21μ. Only 3 had length of loop >300μ. Bizarre morphology was seen in 15.5% of capillaries (p value < 0.001). Crossed loops/tortuous capillaries were seen in 17.3% of patients (p value < 0.001). Ramified capillaries were seen in 9.1% of patients with psoriasis (p value < 0.001). Other abnormalities observed were hemorrhage, avascular areas and subpapillary plexus. Widespread disease and psoriatic arthritis (18.2%) had irregular and haphazard distribution of capillaries (p value < 0.001). Analysis of Psoriasis Area Severity Index score, age of the patient and NFC did not reveal any statistically significant relationship. Conclusions Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC), a non invasive imaging technique for microcirculation evaluation can serve to prognosticate and follow up patirents with psoriasis as a simple and highly reproducible tool. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a simple and an easy method to study the microvascular abnormalities in psoriasis. Findings correlate with disease severity. It can be used for follow-up as a predictor of disease worsening or response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sivasankari
- Graded Specialist (Dermatology), Military Hospital Jodhpur, India
| | - Sandeep Arora
- Professor & Head (Dermatology), Command Hospital (Air Force), Bengaluru, 560007, India
| | - Vivek Vasdev
- Professor and Head, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, 411040, India
| | - Evangeline M Mary
- Associate Professor (Community Health), Stanley Medical College, Chennai, India
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26
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Shikama M, Sonoda N, Morimoto A, Suga S, Tajima T, Kozawa J, Maeda N, Otsuki M, Matsuoka TA, Shimomura I, Ohno Y. Association of abdominal obesity with crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetol Int 2021; 12:260-7. [PMID: 34150434 DOI: 10.1007/s13340-020-00480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Aim Increased crossing of finger nailfold capillaries could be a novel visual marker of early microvascular damage among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Although abdominal obesity is an important driver of early microvascular damage, its association with an increase in the percentage of crossing capillaries remains uncertain. We investigated the association between abdominal obesity and an increase in the percentage of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 123 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (age 40-75 years) who visited the outpatient diabetic clinic at Osaka University Hospital between May and October 2019. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥ 90 cm in women and ≥ 85 cm in men. Capillary morphology was assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy based on the simple capillaroscopic definitions of the European League Against Rheumatism Study Group. The association between abdominal obesity and a high percentage of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold (defined as the highest tertile of crossing capillaries) was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, regular exercise, duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity was significantly associated with a high percentage of crossing capillaries (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] = 2.70 [1.05-6.90], p = 0.038). Conclusions Abdominal obesity may play an important role in the increase in the percentage of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Sirufo MM, Bassino EM, De Pietro F, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. Nailfold capillaroscopy: Clinical practice in non-rheumatic conditions. Microvasc Res 2020; 134:104122. [PMID: 33316334 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M M Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, Teramo, Italy
| | - E M Bassino
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, Teramo, Italy
| | - F De Pietro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, Teramo, Italy
| | - L Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, Teramo, Italy
| | - M De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, Teramo, Italy.
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Dinsdale G, Wilkinson S, Wilkinson J, Moore TL, Manning JB, Berks M, Marjanovic E, Dickinson M, Herrick AL, Murray AK. State-of-the-art technologies provide new insights linking skin and blood vessel abnormalities in SSc-related disorders. Microvasc Res 2020; 130:104006. [PMID: 32320708 PMCID: PMC7522709 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A key unanswered question in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is how microvascular abnormality and fibrosis inter-relate. Our aim was to use state-of-the-art non-invasive imaging methods to gain new insights into pathophysiology, comparing patients with different subtypes of SSc, including early dcSSc, not only to healthy controls but also to patients with causes of Raynaud's phenomenon not progressing to fibrosis. METHODS Laser Doppler imaging, nailfold capillaroscopy, spectroscopy, and ultrasound measured (respectively) perfusion, microvascular structure, oxygenation/oxidative stress, and skin thickening in the hands of 265 subjects: 31 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP), 35 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), 93 with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), 46 with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc, including 27 'early') and 60 healthy controls. RESULTS Mean perfusion was reduced in SSc groups compared to controls (lcSSc 172 perfusion units [standard deviation 157], late-dcSSc 90 [145], early-dcSSc 68 [137] vs. controls 211 [146]; p = 0.0002) as was finger-oxygenation (lcSSc 12.1 [13.6] arbitrary units [AU], late-dcSSc 12.2 [8.4], early-dcSSc 11.1 [11.3] vs controls 14.9 [10.5]; p = 0.0049). Oxidative stress was increased at the hand-dorsum in SSc groups (p = 0.0007). Perfusion positively correlated with oxygenation (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), and capillary density negatively with skin thickness (r = -0.26, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our findings lend support to the hypothesis that in SSc, particularly early dcSSc, (but not in PRP or UCTD), reduced perfusion (together with structural microvascular abnormality) associates with reduced oxygenation, with oxidative stress and with skin thickening/fibrosis, most likely driving a vicious cycle which ultimately results in irreversible tissue injury. Findings in skin may mirror alterations in internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Dinsdale
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sarah Wilkinson
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jack Wilkinson
- Centre for Biostatistics, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health The University of Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Tonia L Moore
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Joanne B Manning
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Michael Berks
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Marjanovic
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Mark Dickinson
- Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; The Dept of Physics and Astronomy, Unversity of Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Andrea K Murray
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Torrens Cid LA, Soleto K CY, Montoro-Álvarez M, Sáenz Tenorio C, Silva-Riveiro A, López-Cerón A, Anzola Alfaro AM, Caballero Motta LR, Serrano Benavente B, Martínez-Barrio J, Ovalles-Bonilla JG, González Fernández CM, Monteagudo Sáez I, Nieto-González JC. Clinical impact of nailfold capillaroscopy in daily clinical practice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 17:258-262. [PMID: 31708452 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is useful in the evaluation of Raynaud's phenomenon, associated with some connective tissue diseases and in the follow-up of patients with systemic sclerosis. Our study evaluates the impact of NC in the diagnosis, according to the reason for the request and profile of autoantibodies in daily clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients that undergone at least one NC between June 2012 and December 2017 were included. Clinical records were reviewed and analysed in a dichotomous way (yes/no), to see whether the NC contributed to a change of diagnosis in subsequent consultations. In addition, demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected, and the relationship with NC patterns evaluated. RESULTS Of the 530 patients who had undergone at least one NC, 266 had Raynaud's phenomenon as primary indication for the technique. Of those, 20 patients (3.8%) had a diagnostic change in the post-NC consultation; 15 were diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, 4 with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and one with mixed connective tissue disease. All patients had, except for one patient diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, positive antinuclear antibodies titres, 11 of them had disease specific antibodies (9 anti-centromere, one anti-Scl70 and other anti-RNPC). The positivity of antinuclear antibodies titres was associated with a higher probability of presenting a scleroderma pattern in the NC, and all patients with a specific rheumatological diagnosis had an abnormal NC. CONCLUSION NC is a useful technique, but with limited impact in the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases. Autoantibody positivity is associated with a greater likelihood of presenting pathological NC patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Torrens Cid
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España.
| | - Christian Y Soleto K
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | | | - Claudia Sáenz Tenorio
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Alicia Silva-Riveiro
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Ana López-Cerón
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Ana M Anzola Alfaro
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | | | | | - Julia Martínez-Barrio
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
| | - Juan G Ovalles-Bonilla
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España
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Küçük MF, Ayan A, Toslak D, Süren E, Yaprak L, Çetinkaya E, Erol MK, Çoban DT. Is age-related macular degeneration a local manifestation of systemic disorder? Changes in nailfold capillaries at age-related macular degeneration. Ir J Med Sci 2020; 189:727-33. [PMID: 31650451 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-019-02109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Determining whether nailfold capillary involvement is present in patients with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and whether there are different nailfold capillaroscopy findings between wet and dry types. METHODS From January 2016 to December 2017, with an initial diagnosis of AMD, 53 consecutive adult patients (AMD group) and 91 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were studied prospectively. There was no history of any other ocular disease and other disease affecting nailfold capillaries. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. The classified and advanced stages of wet and dry types were not included. All nailfold capillaroscopy examinations were performed by the same rheumatologist. RESULTS It was found that the frequency of major capillaroscopic findings such as capillary ectasia, micro-hemorrhage, tortuosity, neo-formation, bizarre capillary, and bushy capillaries increased in the AMD group according to the normal group, but no significant relationship was found for capillary aneurysm. In dry or wet type of AMD in terms of ectasia, micro-hemorrhage, tortuosity, neo-formation, bizarre structure, bushy structure, or aneurism of nailfold capillaries, no significant correlation was found. CONCLUSIONS Nailfold capillaroscopy can detect microvascular changes in the nailfold capillary, in early and late stages of AMD. There were morphological changes in the nailfold capillaries of AMD patients, suggesting that there are systemic superficial microvascular changes that may be due to the systemic nature of the disease.
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Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a painful vasospasm of small arteries, localised in fingers and toes. Typically these body parts turn white (ischemia), then blue (deoxygenation) and then red (reperfusion). Two different types of RP exist: the common primary RP without underlying disease and the rare secondary RP, mostly associated with rheumatoid diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Thus, the dermatologist has to be aware of this condition. In this article the clinical criteria, differential diagnoses, diagnostic considerations and treatment options are discussed.
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Karbalaie A, Emrani Z, Fatemi A, Etehadtavakol M, Erlandsson BE. Practical issues in assessing nailfold capillaroscopic images: a summary. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:2343-2354. [PMID: 31278512 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04644-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a highly sensitive, safe, and non-invasive technique to assess involvement rate of microvascularity in dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis. A large number of studies have focused on NC pattern description, classification, and scoring system validation, but minimal information has been published on the accuracy and precision of the measurement. The objective of this review article is to identify different factors affecting the reliability and validity of the assessment in NC. Several factors can affect the reliability of the examination, e.g., physiological artifacts, the nailfold imaging instrument, human factors, and the assessment rules and standards. It is impossible to avoid all artifacts, e.g., skin transparency, physically injured fingers, and skin pigmentation. However, minimization of the impact of some of these artifacts by considering some protocols before the examination and by using specialized tools, training, guidelines, and software can help to reduce errors in the measurement and assessment of NC images. Establishing guidelines and instructions for automatic characterization and measurement based on machine learning techniques also may reduce ambiguities and the assessment time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolamir Karbalaie
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zahra Emrani
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Alimohammad Fatemi
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Etehadtavakol
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Björn-Erik Erlandsson
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bernardino VR, Rodrigues AC, Panarra A. Raynaud's phenomenon and inflammatory bowel disease: The possible role of microcirculation. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 62:e16. [PMID: 30737060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera R Bernardino
- Unidade de Doenças Auto-Imunes, Internal Medicine Department 7.2, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana Catarina Rodrigues
- Unidade de Doenças Auto-Imunes, Internal Medicine Department 7.2, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Panarra
- Unidade de Doenças Auto-Imunes, Internal Medicine Department 7.2, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
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Binggeli T, Schoetzau A, Konieczka K. In glaucoma patients, low blood pressure is accompanied by vascular dysregulation. EPMA J 2018; 9:387-391. [PMID: 30538790 PMCID: PMC6261908 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-018-0155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background There are many risk factors contributing to glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Beside increased intraocular pressure, vascular factors play a prominent role, particularly low blood pressure (BP), and vascular dysregulation. Both of them are essential components of the Flammer syndrome. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether in glaucoma patients there is a relationship between vascular dysregulation and the BP. Methods Medical records of 57 unselected glaucoma patients were retrospectively studied. Results Based on the outcome of the capillaroscopy, patients were divided in a group of patients with vascular dysregulation, also called long-stoppers (flow cessation for 13 s or more), and a group of patients with normal vascular regulation, also called short-stoppers (flow cessation for 12 s or less). BP was significantly lower in the group of long-stoppers than in the group of short-stoppers. This applies for both systolic (p = 0.028) and diastolic BP (p = 0.036). The regression analysis revealed also a significant inverse relationship between the duration of blood flow cessation and the systolic (p = 0.025) and diastolic BP (p = 0.016). After adjustment for age, gender, use of antihypertensive therapy, and excluding patients taking calcium channel blockers, the relationship was still significant for systolic (p = 0.025) and diastolic BP (p = 0.003). Conclusions In glaucoma patients, vascular dysregulation (as defined by response in the nailfold capillaroscopy to a cold provocation) and low BP are statistically related. This is in line with the observation that Flammer syndrome subjects have both primary vascular dysregulation and low BP and that Flammer syndrome is a risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy, at least in normal tension glaucoma patients. The detection of vascular factors in glaucoma patients may lead to a more efficient treatment, better tailored to the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Binggeli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schoetzau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Konieczka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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Walker UA, Jaeger VK, Bruppacher KM, Dobrota R, Arlettaz L, Banyai M, Beron J, Chizzolini C, Groechenig E, Mueller RB, Spertini F, Villiger PM, Distler O. Prospective evaluation of the capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index in systemic sclerosis patients in clinical practice: a longitudinal, multicentre study. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:239. [PMID: 30359309 PMCID: PMC6235233 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is an important tool for the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI) was suggested to identify patients at risk of developing digital ulcers (DUs). This study aims to assess the reliability of the CSURI across assessors, the CSURI change during follow-up and the value of the CSURI in predicting new DUs. Methods This multicentre, longitudinal study included SSc patients with a history of DUs. NC images of all eight fingers were obtained at baseline and follow-up and were separately analysed by two trained assessors. Results Sixty-one patients were included (median observation time 1.0 year). In about 40% of patients (assessor 1, n = 24, 39%; assessor 2, n = 26, 43%) no megacapillary was detected in any of the baseline or follow-up images; hence the CSURI could not be calculated. In those 34 patients in whom CSURI scores were available from both assessors (26% male; median age 57 years) the median baseline CSURI was 5.3 according to assessor 1 (IQR 2.6–16.3), increasing to 5.9 (IQR 1.3–12.0) at follow-up. According to assessor 2, the CSURI diminished from 6.4 (IQR 2.4–12.5) to 5.0 (IQR 1.7–10.0). The ability of a CSURI ≥ 2.96 category to predict new DUs was low (for both assessors, positive predictive value 38% and negative predictive value 50%) and the inter-assessor agreements for CSURI categories were fair to moderate. Conclusions In this study, around 40% of patients could not be evaluated with the CSURI due to the absence of megacapillaries. Clinical decisions based on the CSURI should be made with caution. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN04371709. Registered on 18 March 2011. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1733-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich A Walker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4032, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Veronika K Jaeger
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4032, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jörg Beron
- Actelion Pharma Schweiz AG, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Chizzolini
- Immunology & Allergy, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - François Spertini
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter M Villiger
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold capillaroscopy is a noninvasive instrumental method for morphological analysis of the nutritive capillaries in the nailfold area. In rheumatology, it is a method of choice among instrumental modalities for differential diagnosis between primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in systemic rheumatic diseases. RP is a common diagnostic problem in rheumatology. Defining the proper diagnosis is a prerequisite for administration of the appropriate treatment. Thus, nailfold capillaroscopic examination is of crucial importance for the every-day practice of the rheumatologists and is currently gaining increasing attention. The most specific capillaroscopic changes are observed in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Due to the high prevalence of the capillaroscopic changes in this clinical entity and their early appearance, they could be used for early and very early diagnosis of the disease. More recently, "scleroderma" type capillaroscopic changes have been defined as diagnostic criterion in the new EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SSc together with the presence of scleroderma-related autoantibodies, RP, telangiectasia and other clinical signs. Capillaroscopic changes in other connective tissue diseases and in different rheumatic-like conditions like those in diabetes mellitus (e.g., diabetic stiff-hand syndrome) and paraneoplastic syndromes associated with microvascular pathology should be interpreted properly in order to obtain precise diagnosis in the shortest possible differential diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevdalina Nikolova Lambova
- Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulf Muller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) is observed in a significant proportion of patients with primary fibromyalgia, the available data on capillaroscopic findings in primary fibromyalgia are scarce. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to assess the capillaroscopic pattern in patients with primary fibromyalgia. PATIENTS AND METHODS 26 patients with primary fibromyalgia (25 women and 1 man) were included in the study. Mean age was 55±10 years. As control groups were examined 31 patients with primary RP and 35 healthy volunteers. Capillaroscopic examination was performed with a videocapillaroscope Videocap 3.0 (DS Medica), magnification 200x with analysis of the main capillaroscopic parameters as follows: capillary distribution, shape, mean capillary diameters and length, mean capillary density, visibility of the subpapillary plexus; presence of avascular areas, microhaemorrhages and neoangiogenic capillaries. RESULTS Symptoms of RP were observed in 65% (17/26) of the cases with primary fibromyalgia. At capillaroscopic examination, the most frequent finding in patients with primary fibromyalgia was the presence of capillary dilation in 85% (22/26) of the patients - both in cases with and without RP. However, the mean arterial and venous capillary diameters were significantly higher in the subgroup of fibromyalgia patients with clinical symptoms of RP. Of note, microvascular abnormalities characteristic of connective tissue diseases could not be observed in primary fibromyalgia patients. Analogous changes - presence of dilated capillaries - were found in 96.6% (29/30) of patients with primary RP. CONCLUSION In our study, the most frequent capillaroscopic finding in patients with primary fibromyalgia was the presence of dilated capillary loops analogous to primary RP. Capillaroscopic signs suggestive of connective tissue disease could not be found in primary fibromyalgia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevdalina Nikolova Lambova
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ulf Muller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen Bad Nauheim, Germany
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van den Hombergh WMT, Kersten BE, Knaapen-Hans HKA, Thurlings RM, van der Kraan PM, van den Hoogen FHJ, Fransen J, Vonk MC. Hit hard and early: analysing the effects of high-dose methylprednisolone on nailfold capillary changes and biomarkers in very early systemic sclerosis: study protocol for a 12-week randomised controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:449. [PMID: 30134971 PMCID: PMC6104002 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mounting evidence indicates that inflammatory mechanisms drive systemic sclerosis (SSc) vasculopathy and fibrosis, especially early in the disease. Therefore, patients with very early SSc could benefit from early treatments targeting inflammation. Glucocorticoids are among the most potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Several studies have demonstrated a mixed response to treatment with glucocorticoids in SSc, probably because it is seldom initiated at very early stages of the disease. We hypothesise that by inhibiting the inflammatory process driving SSc disease progression, glucocorticoid treatments will induce remission in patients with very early SSc. Methods/design This study is a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial analysing the effects of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in very early SSc. Thirty patients who fulfil the criteria for very early SSc will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either intravenous methylprednisolone or a placebo on three consecutive days over three consecutive months. In this study, the primary endpoint will be the change in capillary density between the baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The secondary outcomes of this study are a change in selected biomarkers, other changes in the nailfold capillaries, signs of established SSc and changes in physical function, general health and utilities, as reported through questionnaires. Discussion This trial is the first aiming to treat very early SSc and is promising because it targets the very early stages of the disease process by using an inexpensive and relatively safe treatment known to be highly effective against inflammation. The use of vasculopathy and inflammatory biomarkers as well as clinical signs and symptoms as the endpoints in our study enables us to meet the patient need for markers of disease activity. If it is possible to prevent clinically significant disease in patients with very early SSc by using a safe treatment, this will cause a paradigm shift in scleroderma care and research. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03059979. Registered on 20 February 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2798-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieneke M T van den Hombergh
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Brigit E Kersten
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke K A Knaapen-Hans
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Thurlings
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank H J van den Hoogen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Fransen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Karbalaie A, Etehadtavakol M, Abtahi F, Fatemi A, Emrani Z, Erlandsson BE. Image enhancement effect on inter and intra-observer reliability of nailfold capillary assessment. Microvasc Res 2018; 120:100-10. [PMID: 29958863 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a diagnostic imaging technique that is used to assess the blood capillary network in the nailfold area. NC is routinely used for patients with microcirculation problems, such as systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases. Experts commonly use subjective evaluation as a reference point in images of nailfold video capillaroscopy, so it is important to reduce the inherent ambiguities in human judgment and diagnosis. Image quality is an important factor that affects measurement error and assessment time of NC images. OBJECTIVE In this study, a new image enhancement technique was introduced and evaluated subjectively. METHODS In total, 475 nailfold video capillaroscopy images from 18 healthy subjects and 41 systemic lupus erythematosus patients were used. The images were randomly divided into two sets, one each with 275 and 200. Eight independent observers who were familiar with the capillaroscopy technique participated in this study. The set of 275 images was evaluated by three observers with the forced-choice pairwise comparison method. Elliptic broken line (EBL) was used to count the number of capillaries. The intra- and inter-observer reliability of the original and enhanced images was evaluated on 200 images by five observers. RESULT Except for eight images, all observers preferred the enhanced images in the visual quality comparison method. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of intra- and inter-observer reliability increased from 0.76-0.84 to 0.82-0.89, respectively, when using the enhancement method. CONCLUSION By improving the image quality, more capillary details will be visible, and an observer can document more details that may not be visible in the original image and can do so more efficiently.
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40
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Berks M, Dinsdale G, Murray A, Moore T, Manning J, Taylor C, Herrick AL. Automated structure and flow measurement - a promising tool in nailfold capillaroscopy. Microvasc Res 2018; 118:173-177. [PMID: 29605552 PMCID: PMC5956308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite increasing interest in nailfold capillaroscopy, objective measures of capillary structure and blood flow have been little studied. We aimed to test the hypothesis that structural measurements, capillary flow, and a combined measure have the predictive power to separate patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) from those with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS 50 patients with SSc, 12 with PRP, and 50 HC were imaged using a novel capillaroscopy system that generates high-quality nailfold images and provides fully-automated measurements of capillary structure and blood flow (capillary density, mean width, maximum width, shape score, derangement and mean flow velocity). Population statistics summarise the differences between the three groups. Areas under ROC curves (AZ) were used to measure classification accuracy when assigning individuals to SSc and HC/PRP groups. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in group means were found between patients with SSc and both HC and patients with PRP, for all measurements, e.g. mean width (μm) ± SE: 15.0 ± 0.71, 12.7 ± 0.74 and 11.8 ± 0.23 for SSc, PRP and HC respectively. Combining the five structural measurements gave better classification (AZ = 0.919 ± 0.026) than the best single measurement (mean width, AZ = 0.874 ± 0.043), whilst adding flow further improved classification (AZ = 0.930 ± 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Structural and blood flow measurements are both able to distinguish patients with SSc from those with PRP/HC. Importantly, these hold promise as clinical trial outcome measures for treatments aimed at improving finger blood flow or microvascular remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Berks
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graham Dinsdale
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrea Murray
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tonia Moore
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | | | - Chris Taylor
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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41
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Abstract
Most patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) have "benign" primary RP (PRP), but a minority have an underlying cause, for example a connective tissue disease such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Secondary RP can be associated with structural as well as functional digital vascular changes and can be very severe, potentially progressing to digital ulceration or gangrene. The first step in management is to establish why the patient has RP. This short review discusses the role of nailfold capillaroscopy and thermography in the assessment of RP. Nailfold capillaroscopy examines microvascular structure, which is normal in PRP but abnormal in most patients with SSc: the inclusion of abnormal nailfold capillaries into the 2013 classification criteria for SSc behoves clinicians diagnosing connective tissue disease to be familiar with the technique. For those without access to the gold standard of high magnification videocapillaroscopy, a low magnification dermatoscope or USB microscope can be used. Thermography measures surface temperature and is therefore an indirect measure of blood blow, assessing digital vascular function (abnormal in both PRP and SSc). Until now, the use of thermography has been mainly confined to specialist centres and used mainly in research: this may change with development of mobile phone thermography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane L Herrick
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Andrea Murray
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Pavan TR, Bredemeier M, Hax V, Capobianco KG, da Silva Mendonça Chakr R, Xavier RM. Capillary loss on nailfold capillary microscopy is associated with mortality in systemic sclerosis. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 37:475-481. [PMID: 29018976 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to test the association of the severity of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) abnormalities with mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). One hundred and seventy SSc patients underwent an extensive evaluation (including high-resolution computed tomography, pulmonary function tests, and Doppler echocardiography) at baseline following a standard protocol. Capillary loss on NFC was evaluated using the avascular score (AS, ranging from 0 to 3), and the mean number of ectasias, megacapillaries, and hemorrhages per finger was also recorded. After a mean period of 10.1 ± 4.9 years, the life status of the patients was ascertained. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. Overall, 73 patients died. By univariate Cox analysis, the AS was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.64, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.19, p = 0.001). In our study, this association was stronger than that of race, gender, anticentromere antibodies, anti-topoisomerase I antibodies, and form of disease and had similar strength to that of skin score in univariate analyses. However, after controlling for a combination of variables (age, skin score, gender, race, signs of peripheral ischemia, and extent of interstitial lung disease, all independently associated with mortality), the association of AS with mortality was blunted (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.65, p = 0.445). Other NFC variables were not related to mortality. AS was associated with higher risk of death and, despite not having an independent association with mortality after controlling for a set of demographic and clinical variables, may be a useful tool in prognostic evaluation of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Rohde Pavan
- Rheumatology Service at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, sala 645, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Markus Bredemeier
- Rheumatology Service at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Hax
- Rheumatology Service at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, sala 645, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil.
| | | | - Rafael da Silva Mendonça Chakr
- Rheumatology Service at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, sala 645, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Machado Xavier
- Rheumatology Service at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, sala 645, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil
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Friedrich S, Lüders S, Werner SG, Glimm AM, Burmester GR, Riemekasten G, Backhaus M, Ohrndorf S. Disturbed microcirculation in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis detected by fluorescence optical imaging: a pilot study. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:87. [PMID: 28482872 PMCID: PMC5422953 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilising fluorescence optical imaging (FOI), the distribution of an intravenously applied colouring agent indocyanine green (ICG) can be analysed with the potential to identify malperfusion by little to no tissue enhancement. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by the presence of digital ulcers reflecting progressive vasculopathy. The objective was to investigate the potential of FOI in the detection of disturbed microcirculation in the hands and fingers of patients with SSc and to link FOI findings to clinical signs of ischemia such as digital ulcers and pitting scars. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 63 patients with SSc and 26 healthy subjects were examined. FOI was performed in all 89 individuals and compared to clinical data and capillaroscopic findings assembled for the SSc cohort. RESULTS Healthy subjects showed initial ICG signals in their fingertips in 93.6%, SSc patients in 78.5% (limited SSc) and 43.2% (diffuse SSc). Moreover, in SSc patients, FOI findings were significantly associated with a late capillaroscopic pattern, disseminated SSc features, a diffuse SSc subtype, and the presence of digital ulcers or pitting scars. Intra- and inter-reader reliability for FOI amounted to κ = 0.786 and κ = 0.834, respectively. CONCLUSIONS FOI is able to detect areas of reduced microcirculation in patients with SSc with high association to capillaroscopic findings. The results pave the way for future FOI investigations into its role in the prediction of complications due to an impaired acral perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Friedrich
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Lüders
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Gabriele Werner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Rheumatologie, Immunologie und Osteologie mit, Schwerpunkt für Rheumatologie, Klinische Immunologie und Osteologie am Ev. Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Glimm
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd-Rüdiger Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marina Backhaus
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine - Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Park-Klinik, Weißensee, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Ohrndorf
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
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Karbalaie A, Abtahi F, Fatemi A, Etehadtavakol M, Emrani Z, Erlandsson BE. Elliptical broken line method for calculating capillary density in nailfold capillaroscopy: Proposal and evaluation. Microvasc Res 2017; 113:1-8. [PMID: 28414021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy is a practical method for identifying and obtaining morphological changes in capillaries which might reveal relevant information about diseases and health. Capillaroscopy is harmless, and seems simple and repeatable. However, there is lack of established guidelines and instructions for acquisition as well as the interpretation of the obtained images; which might lead to various ambiguities. In addition, assessment and interpretation of the acquired images are very subjective. In an attempt to overcome some of these problems, in this study a new modified technique for assessment of nailfold capillary density is introduced. The new method is named elliptic broken line (EBL) which is an extension of the two previously known methods by defining clear criteria for finding the apex of capillaries in different scenarios by using a fitted elliptic. A graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for pre-processing, manual assessment of capillary apexes and automatic correction of selected apexes based on 90° rule. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of EBL and corrected EBL is evaluated in this study. Four independent observers familiar with capillaroscopy performed the assessment for 200 nailfold videocapillaroscopy images, form healthy subject and systemic lupus erythematosus patients, in two different sessions. The results show elevation from moderate (ICC=0.691) and good (ICC=0.753) agreements to good (ICC=0.750) and good (ICC=0.801) for intra- and inter-observer reliability after automatic correction of EBL. This clearly shows the potential of this method to improve the reliability and repeatability of assessment which motivates us for further development of automatic tool for EBL method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolamir Karbalaie
- School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alimohammad Fatemi
- Department of Rheumatology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Etehadtavakol
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Zahra Emrani
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Björn-Erik Erlandsson
- School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Chen Q, Chen G, Xiao B, Lin H, Qu H, Zhang D, Shi M, Lang L, Yang B, Yan M. Nailfold capillary morphological characteristics of hand-arm vibration syndrome: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012983. [PMID: 27888176 PMCID: PMC5168524 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of nailfold capillaroscopy associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). METHODS In total, 113 male gold miners were recruited: 35 workers who were chronically exposed to vibration and developed vibration-induced white finger were defined as the HAVS group, 39 workers who were exposed to vibration but did not have HAVS were classified as the vibration-exposed controls (VEC) group, and 39 workers without vibration exposure were categorised as the non-VEC (NVEC) group. Video capillaroscopy was used to capture images of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers of both hands. The following nailfold capillary characteristics were included: number of capillaries/mm, avascular areas, haemorrhages and enlarged capillaries. The experiments were carried out in the same winter. All characteristics were evaluated under blinded conditions. RESULTS Significant differences in all morphological characteristics existed between the groups (p<0.05). Avascular areas in the HAVS, VEC and NVEC groups appeared in 74.3%, 43.6% and 25.0% of participants, respectively. A higher percentage of participants had haemorrhages in the HAVS group (65.7%) compared with the other groups (VEC: 7.7% and NVEC: 7.5%). The number of capillaries/mm, input limb width, output limb width, apical width, and ratio of output limb and input limb all had more than 70% sensitivity or specificity of their cut-off value. CONCLUSIONS Nailfold capillary characteristics, especially the number of capillaries/mm, avascular areas, haemorrhages, output limb width, input limb width and apical width alterations, revealed significant associations with HAVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- QingSong Chen
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - GuiPing Chen
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - HanSheng Lin
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - HongYing Qu
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - DanYing Zhang
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - MaoGong Shi
- Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Li Lang
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bei Yang
- Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - MaoSheng Yan
- Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Michalska-Jakubus M, Kowal-Bielecka O, Smith V, Cutolo M, Krasowska D. Plasma endothelial microparticles reflect the extent of capillaroscopic alterations and correlate with the severity of skin involvement in systemic sclerosis. Microvasc Res 2017; 110:24-31. [PMID: 27889559 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are membrane-coated vesicles shed from endothelial cells and are considered markers of the endothelial state. It has been shown that total numbers of circulating EMPs are increased in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but their clinical correlations have not yet been investigated in detail. We aimed to assess possible relationships between circulating EMPs and clinical as well as laboratory features among SSc patients with special attention to possible association with alteration in microvascular morphology objectified on nailfold videocapillaroscopy and clinical signs of microvascular complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 47 SSc patients and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. EMPs were identified with flow cytometry after staining platelet-poor plasma with combinations of fluorescent cell-specific monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD31, -51, -42b, -62E and Annexin V). The following types of EMPs were evaluated: total EMPs (CD31+/CD42b-), activated EMPs (CD62E+/AnnV-,) and apoptotic EMPs (CD62E+/AnnV+ or CD51+). Clinical evaluation of patients was obtained, including nailfold videocapillaroscopy. RESULTS All types of EMPs were significantly elevated in SSc patients as compared with healthy controls. We found significant inverse correlation between severity of skin involvement and values of total EMPs (r=-0.32; p=0.02) and their levels tended to be lower in SSc patients with digital ulcers when compared to those without ischaemic skin lesions (p=0.09). Total EMPs and activated EMPs showed correlations with the number of ramified capillaries (r=-0.40 and r=0.37, respectively, p<0.05 for both). Moreover, total EMPs inversely correlated with the severity of capillary loss (r=-0.35, p<0.05) and their levels were significantly lower in patients with late NVC pattern with respect to those with early microangiopathy (p<0.05). On the other hand, active NVC pattern was characterized by strongly elevated levels of activated EMPs when compared to an early vascular alteration (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that quantity and phenotype of circulating EMPs might indicate on molecular vascular damage with endothelial dysfunction and to reflect progressive loss of capillaries consequencing in microvascular insufficiency in SSc patients.
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Emrani Z, Karbalaie A, Fatemi A, Etehadtavakol M, Erlandsson BE. Capillary density: An important parameter in nailfold capillaroscopy. Microvasc Res 2016; 109:7-18. [PMID: 27614146 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy is one of the various noninvasive bioengineering methods used to investigate skin microcirculation. It is an effective examination for assessing microvascular changes in the peripheral circulation; hence it has a significant role for the diagnosis of Systemic sclerosis with the classic changes of giant capillaries as well as the decline in capillary density with capillary dropout. The decline in capillary density is one of microangiopathic features existing in connective tissue disease. It is detectable with nailfold capillaroscopy. This parameter is assessed by applying quantitative measurement. In this article, we reviewed a common method for calculating the capillary density and the relation between the number of capillaries as well as the existence of digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, autoantibodies, scleroderma patterns and different scoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Emrani
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Abdolamir Karbalaie
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), School of Technology and Health, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alimohammad Fatemi
- Department of Rheumatology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Etehadtavakol
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Björn-Erik Erlandsson
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), School of Technology and Health, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sampaio-Barros MM, Takayama L, Sampaio-Barros PD, Bonfá E, Pereira RM. Low vitamin D serum levels in diffuse systemic sclerosis: a correlation with worst quality of life and severe capillaroscopic findings. Rev Bras Reumatol Engl Ed 2016; 56:337-44. [PMID: 27476627 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbre.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of vitamin D levels with clinical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL) and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Thirty-eight female patients with diffuse SSc were analyzed regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum levels. At inclusion, organ involvement, autoantibodies, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), body mass index (BMI), BMD, NC, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), were performed through a standardized interview, physical examination and electronic chart review. RESULTS Mean 25OHD serum level was 20.66±8.20ng/mL. Eleven percent of the patients had 25OHD levels ≤10ng/mL, 50% ≤20ng/mL and 87% ≤30ng/mL. Vitamin D serum levels were positively correlated with BMI (r=0.338, p=0.038), BMD-total femur (r=0.340, p=0.037), BMD-femoral neck (r=0.384, p=0.017), SF-36-Vitality (r=0.385, p=0.017), SF-36-Social Function (r=0.320, p=0.050), SF-36-Emotional Role (r=0.321, p=0.049) and SF-36-Mental Health (r=0.531, p=0.0006) and were negatively correlated with HAQ-Reach (r=-0.328, p=0.044) and HAQ-Grip Strength (r=-0.331, p=0.042). A negative correlation with NC-diffuse devascularization (p=0.029) and NC-avascular area (p=0.033) was also observed. CONCLUSION The present study provides novel evidence demonstrating that low levels of 25OHD have a negative impact in diffuse SSc QoL and further studies are needed to define whether vitamin D supplementation can improve health related QoL in these patients. The additional observation of a correlation with severe NC alterations suggests a possible role of 25OHD in the underlying SSc vascular involvement.
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Ingegnoli F, Boracchi P, Gualtierotti R, Smith V, Cutolo M, Foeldvari I. A comparison between nailfold capillaroscopy patterns in adulthood in juvenile and adult-onset systemic sclerosis: A EUSTAR exploratory study. Microvasc Res 2015; 102:19-24. [PMID: 26254260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Qualitative capillaroscopy patterns in juvenile- and adult-onset systemic sclerosis (SSc) were studied in adulthood using data from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database. METHODS Data collected between June 2004 and April 2013 were examined with focus on capillaroscopy. In this retrospective exploratory study, series of patients with juvenile-onset SSc were matched with series of adult-onset SSc having the same gender and autoantibody profile. RESULTS 30 of 123 patients with juvenile-onset and 2108 of 7133 with adult-onset SSc had data on capillaroscopy. Juvenile-onset SSc showed scleroderma pattern more frequently than adult-onset SSc (93.3% and 88%). The OR was 2.44 and 95% CI 0.57-10.41. An active scleroderma pattern was present in 58% of juvenile- and 61% of adult-onset SSc. The OR was 0.91 and 95% CI 0.28-2.93. The late scleroderma pattern was present in 61% of juvenile- and 55.5% of adult-onset SSc. The OR was 1.06 and 95% CI 0.34-3.56. CONCLUSION This is the first exploratory study on the comparison of capillaroscopy between juvenile- and adult-onset SSc in adulthood. Juvenile-onset SSc had an increase prevalence of scleroderma pattern, but a similar distribution of the three patterns was suggested. Further studies are needed to define this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ingegnoli
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milano, Milano, Italy; Division of Rheumatology, Istituto Gaetano Pini, Milano, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Boracchi
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milano, Milano, Italy; Medical Statistics and Biometry, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- University of Ghent, Department of Rheumatology, Gent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has been used to examine morphological and functional microcirculation changes in connective tissue diseases. It has been demonstrated that NFC patterns reflect abnormal microvascular dynamics, which may play a role in fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine NFC patterns in FM, and their association with clinical features of FM. METHODS A total of 67 patients with FM, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were included. Nailfold capillary patterns were quantitatively analyzed using computerized NFC. The parameters of interest were as follows: number of capillaries within the central 3 mm, deletion score, apical limb width, capillary width, and capillary dimension. Capillary dimension was determined by calculating the number of capillaries using the Adobe Photoshop version 7.0. RESULTS FM patients had a lower number of capillaries and higher deletion scores on NFC compared to healthy controls (17.3 ± 1.7 vs. 21.8 ± 2.9, p < 0.05; 2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.05, respectively). Both apical limb width (µm) and capillary width (µm) were significantly decreased in FM patients (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 3.7 ± 0.6; 5.4 ± 0.5 vs. 7.5 ± 1.4, respectively), indicating that FM patients have abnormally decreased digital capillary diameter and density. Interestingly, there was no difference in capillary dimension between the two groups, suggesting that the length or tortuosity of capillaries in FM patients is increased to compensate for diminished microcirculation. CONCLUSIONS FM patients had altered capillary density and diameter in the digits. Diminished microcirculation on NFC may alter capillary density and increase tortuosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dug-Hyun Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Sook Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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