Atlas of Capillaroscopy in Rheumatic Diseases (Original PDF from Publisher)

Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy: A Comprehensive Guide for Rheumatic Disease Diagnosis and Management

Introduction

Raynaud phenomenon, a prominent clinical manifestation of impaired peripheral microcirculation, affects a substantial portion of the population, with an estimated prevalence of up to 15%. Notably, a significant percentage of primary cases eventually transition to secondary Raynaud phenomenon, often associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other connective tissue diseases. This transition typically occurs within a period of approximately 30 months.

Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy (NVC): A Valuable Diagnostic Tool

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) has emerged as the non-invasive, cost-effective, and reliable method of choice for evaluating microvascular abnormalities in SSc. This technique provides detailed visualization of the microvasculature, allowing for the assessment of capillaroscopic parameters such as capillary density, morphology, and flow. By quantifying these abnormalities, NVC enables physicians to diagnose, prognosticate, and guide treatment for SSc patients.

NVC as a Predictor of Disease Severity and Progression

Research has demonstrated that reduced capillary density on NVC is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing digital skin ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in SSc patients. Consequently, NVC findings serve as a valuable indicator of disease severity, progression, and overall prognosis. Moreover, monitoring NVC parameters over time can assist clinicians in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Recent Advances and Growing Interest in Capillaroscopy

Capillaroscopy has witnessed a surge of interest and research in recent years, resulting in a significant increase in scientific publications on the topic. The vast majority of these publications have appeared within the past decade, underscoring the growing recognition of capillaroscopy’s importance.

The Role of an Atlas in Capillaroscopic Interpretation

Despite the wealth of information available on capillaroscopy, there has been a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date resources that provide practical guidance for the interpretation of capillaroscopic findings in rheumatic diseases. To address this need, a comprehensive atlas has been developed by leading international experts in the field.

Benefits of the Atlas for Clinical Practice

This atlas offers a modern, physiologically-based approach to capillaroscopy, featuring extensive discussions of clinical cases. By carefully studying the materials presented, readers will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret capillaroscopic findings and apply them in their daily clinical practice, significantly enhancing their ability to diagnose, monitor, and manage rheumatic diseases.