title: Tactile sensitivity in systemic sclerosis. Assessment of two-point and circle discriminations of the digit.
abstract: The two-point and circle discriminations of the third digit of the hand were studied in 25 patients with systemic sclerosis as compared to 25 healthy controls matched for sex and age. 1 patient (4%) had diminished two-point discrimination = 10 mm and other signs of neuropathy. Mean two-point discrimination in the controls was 3.44 mm, SD 1.00 mm, and mean + 2 SD 5.44 mm. The normal two-point discrimination of the pulp of the digit could be defined as less than or equal to 5 mm. The circle discrimination was not diminished in any case. 8 patients (32%) complained of numbness of the digits, but examinations revealed neuropathy in only 1 case. Determination of two-point discrimination of the digit is recommended to screen neuropathy in systemic sclerosis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology