Nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy - an interdisciplinary appraisal.
Nailfold capillaroscopy is a method of great diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of primary versus secondary Raynaud´s phenomenon, of systemic sclerosis versus other so called connective tissue diseases and of additional diagnostic value in other entities. Rheumatologists, dermatologists, and angiologists in Germany have convened in an interdisciplinary working group in which they synergistically combined their expertise to develop a common nomenclature and standards for the technical performance of nailfold capillary microscopy. The article gives an overview of historical and technical aspects of capillaroscopy, morphologic findings, and disease-specific patterns. It also provides a critical appraisal of its significance in the diagnosis and sequelae of these interdisciplinarily-managed diseases including its performance in children and gives an excursion in the potential perspectives of capillaroscopy in less common indications.
1 Department for Angiology, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany.
Peter Franz
PF
Klein-Weigel
2 Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Münster, Germany.
Cord
C
Sunderkötter
3 Policlinic for Rheumatology and Hiller Research Centre for Rheumatology, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Oliver
O
Sander
D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D020678:Microscopic Angioscopy; D009262:Nails / Q000098:blood supply*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
Capillaroscopy; Raynaud`s phenomenon; connective tissue diseases; dermatomyositis; systemic lupus erythematosus; systemic sclerosis