Videocapillaroscopic findings in the microcirculation of the psoriatic plaque.
BACKGROUND
Videocapillaroscopy (VCP) is a method to study the morphology and dynamics of microcirculation, but information about capillaroscopic features of the psoriatic plaque is limited.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the distribution, morphology and density of capillaries in lesional and perilesional skin of the psoriatic plaque.


METHODS
VCP of a well-delimited plaque of the trunk, arms or legs in 15 consecutive patients with untreated, chronic plaque psoriasis was performed.


RESULTS
In the lesional skin, capillaries were tortuous and dilated, homogeneously appearing as 'bushy'. In the perilesional skin, capillary loops seemed to be on a parallel course with respect to the skin surface, with their apex directed towards the marginal zone. The number of capillary loops per area unit was statistically increased in perilesional compared to lesional skin.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the morphology, distribution and density of capillary loops, two different angiogenetic patterns were found in lesional and perilesional skin.
De Angelis
Rossella
R
Department of Rheumatology, University of Ancona, Jesi, Italy. deaross65@libero.it
Bugatti
Leonardo
L
Del Medico
Patrizia
P
Nicolini
Massimiliano
M
Filosa
Giorgio
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002196:Capillaries / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D018715:Microscopy, Video / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric