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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy
05:17

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

Published on: October 27, 2015

How to perform and interpret capillaroscopy.

Maurizio Cutolo1, Alberto Sulli, Vanessa Smith

  • 1Research Laboratory and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine DiMI, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, no 6, 16132 Genova, Italy. mcutolo@unige.it

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|June 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Capillaroscopy noninvasively examines nailfold capillaries. This technique helps distinguish normal findings from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patterns, aiding in complication prediction.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Capillaroscopy is a noninvasive method to visualize nailfold dermal capillaries.
  • It utilizes magnification systems (low to high power) for detailed examination.
  • Video-capillaroscopy employs a probe for direct contact and imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate normal capillaroscopy findings from abnormal patterns, particularly those associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
  • To establish the role of qualitative and quantitative assessments in identifying SSc and predicting its complications.
  • To highlight the current limitations in predicting complications for other connective tissue diseases (CTDs).

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative assessment of capillary morphology, density, dimensions, and architecture.

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy
05:17

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

Published on: October 27, 2015

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Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

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  • Utilizing low (×20) and high (×200–×600) magnification lenses or video-capillaroscopes.
  • Quantitative and semi-quantitative scoring of capillaroscopic images.

    • Main Results:

    • Normal capillaroscopy can be distinguished from abnormal patterns, especially those pathognomonic for SSc.
    • Three progressive capillaroscopic patterns ('early', 'active', 'late') are described in SSc.
    • Qualitative and semi-quantitative assessments are valuable for predicting SSc clinical complications.

    Conclusions:

    • Capillaroscopy is a key diagnostic tool for identifying SSc and its progression.
    • Current research supports its use in predicting SSc complications.
    • Further studies are needed to develop similar predictive indices for other CTDs.