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The role of capillaroscopy in differentiation of primary and secondary Raynauds phenomenon in rheumatic diseases: A review of the literature and two case reports
Rheumatology International, 07/01/09

Lambova SN et al. – Study concludes that nailfold capillaroscopy is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), and also in differentiating between different forms of connective autoimmune diseases as well as for their early diagnosis.

• A systemic review of the current knowledge about the role of capillaroscopy in differentiation of primary and secondary RP in rheumatic diseases

• Capillaroscopy is of crucial value for diagnosis and differentiation of primary and secondary RP
• Appearance of abnormal capillaroscopic pattern inherits high positive predictive value for the development of systemic rheumatic disease
• Most specific pattern is found in SSc, so called “scleroderma pattern”
• This is characterized by the presence of dilated capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas and neoangiogeneis
• Similar changes are found in pts with dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease and are called “scleroderma-like pattern”
• Absence of abnormal capillaroscopic findings can be regarded as a diagnostic criterion for primary RP
• Inclusion of pathologic capillaroscopic pattern may increase the sensitivity of ACR classification criteria for SSc.

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