title: Whole field laser Doppler imaging of the microcirculation in psoriasis and clinically unaffected skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Angiogenesis represents a key phenomenon in psoriasis. Insights in the microcirculation within psoriatic lesions in a whole field are lacking. Recently, the Twente Optical Perfusion Camera (TOPCam) was developed, which provides the possibility of evaluating the superficial cutaneous microcirculation in a whole field.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study aims to examine whether the TOPCam can be used to visualize the microcirculation within and around psoriatic lesions, and whether it is capable of revealing vascular changes during topical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included. The superficial microcirculation and clinical local scores (SUM score) were analyzed in two comparable lesions within one patient. At baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks the disease's natural course was evaluated in one plaque versus topical treatment in the other.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The TOPCam was able to visualize an increased microcirculation within psoriatic lesions and perfusion variability due to the heartbeat. Whole field images demonstrated heterogeneity in perfusion intensity (hot and cold spots) within clinically homogeneous-looking plaques. Topical therapy induced a decrease in overall perfusion and a significant decrease in SUM score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TOPCam is the first noninvasive technique to visualize the microcirculation of psoriatic lesions in a whole field, to correct images for the heartbeat, and to reveal heterogeneity in perfusion intensity.
authors: Department of Dermatology Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.
authors: Anke G M
authors: AG
authors: Hendriks
authors: Wiendelt
authors: W
authors: Steenbergen
authors: Erwin
authors: E
authors: Hondebrink
authors: Johan C G
authors: JC
authors: van Hespen
authors: Peter C M
authors: PC
authors: van de Kerkhof
authors: Marieke M B
authors: MM
authors: Seyger
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C055085:calcipotriene; C011175:betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate; D001623:Betamethasone; D002117:Calcitriol