Open AccessCapillary Microscopy in Eosinophilic Fasciitis
Author(s) -
Rozboril Michael B.,
Maricq Hildegard R.,
Rodnan Gerald P.,
Jablonska Stephania,
Bole Giles G.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780260507
Subject(s) - eosinophilic fasciitis , scleroderma (fungus) , medicine , pathology , eosinophilic , capillary action , fasciitis , dermatology , eosinophilia , surgery , materials science , composite material , inoculation
Capillary microscopy was performed on 19 patients with eosinophilic fasciitis. These patients were compared with 13 individuals with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Capillary patterns were normal in 16 of 19 (84%) eosinophilic fasciitis patients; 3 exhibited either borderline or nonspecific changes, and none showed a definite scleroderma pattern. In contrast, characteristic nailfold capillary changes, consisting of both dilatation and loss of capillaries, were present in 11 of 13 (85%) scleroderma patients; the remaining 2 showed scleroderma‐type abnormalities of only 1 finger and were, therefore, classified as borderline. These results suggest that capillary microscopy may help to distinguish these 2 disorders.