Open AccessDiagnostic potential of in vivo capillary microscopy in scleroderma and related disorders
Author(s) -
Maricq H.R.,
LeRoy E. C.,
D'Angelo W. A.,
Medsger T. A.,
Rodnan G. P.,
Sharp G. C.,
Wolfe J. F.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780230208
Subject(s) - scleroderma (fungus) , mixed connective tissue disease , medicine , connective tissue disease , connective tissue , pathology , systemic disease , connective tissue disorder , undifferentiated connective tissue disease , lupus erythematosus , systemic scleroderma , disease , dermatology , autoimmune disease , immunology , antibody , inoculation
The prevalence of scleroderma‐type capillary abnormalities, as observed by in vivo microscopy, was determined in 173 patients from three rheumatic disease centers. The patients had a variety of connective tissue diseases: scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) 50; systemic lupus erythematosus 60; mixed connective tissue disease 26; Raynaud's disease 11; other rheumatic disorders 26. Enlarged and deformed capillary loops surrounded by relatively avascular areas, most prominently in the nailfolds, were found in 82% of patients with scleroderma and in 54% with mixed connective tissue disease. The rarity of these abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus (2%) despite the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon suggests that they are not an expression of the Raynaud's phenomenon frequently associated with scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease. The single patient with Raynaud's disease and sclerodermatype capillary changes subsequently developed scleroderma.