Role of nailfold capillaroscopy in assessing microvasculature in rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a non-invasive and safe tool for microvasculature assessment. Since its recent inclusion to classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (American College of Rheumatology (ACR) / European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), 2013) and monitoring disease progression, the importance of NFC in rheumatology has increased. Given its growing use by a variety of physicians worldwide, both in daily practice to differentiate primary and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, and in the context of research to predict the progression of the disease and evaluate the treatment effectiveness, the description of the acquisition and analysis of capillaroscopic images remains relevant. This report provides information on the interpretation of NFC changes, particularly in systemic sclerosis and other rheumatic diseases.