The Promising Role of a Superb Microvascular Imaging Technique in the Evaluation of Raynaud’s Syndrome in Systemic Sclerosis: Theory and Practical Challenges
Gabija Jasionyte,
Goda Seskute,
Rita Rugiene,
Irena Butrimiene
Affiliations
Gabija Jasionyte
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Goda Seskute
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Rita Rugiene
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Irena Butrimiene
Clinic of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
In recent years, a novel Doppler ultrasonography (US) modality—superb microvascular imaging (SMI)—has been presented as a reliable method to evaluate small vessel blood flow with minimised motion artefacts. In this review, we present the challenges of incorporating SMI in daily practice with detailed and comparable US images of a fingertip. The main focus of this paper is the discussion of all tested US techniques, artefacts, and practical challenges for evaluating Raynaud’s syndrome in systemic sclerosis. Despite a few reports on SMI use in assessing nailfold capillaries, there is still a need for more evidence of its value and possibilities for its standardisation.
