Microvascular damage evaluation in systemic sclerosis: the role of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and laser techniques
B. Ruaro,
A. Sulli,
V. Smith,
C. Pizzorni,
S. Paolino,
E. Alessandri,
M. Cutolo
Affiliations
B. Ruaro
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
A. Sulli
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
V. Smith
Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent
C. Pizzorni
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
S. Paolino
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
E. Alessandri
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
M. Cutolo
Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino-IST, Genova
Microvascular damage and a decrease in peripheral blood perfusion are typical features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with serious clinical implications, not only for a very early diagnosis, but also for disease progression. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a validated and safe imaging technique able to detect peripheral capillary morphology, as well as to classify and to score any nailfold abnormalities into different microangiopathy patterns. Capillaroscopic analysis is now included in the ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc. The decrease in peripheral blood perfusion is usually associated with microvascular damage in SSc, which may be studied by different methods. Several of these make use of safe laser technologies. This paper focuses on these new clinical aspects to assess SSc microvascular impairment.
