Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
05:06
Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
Published on: February 28, 2025
Nailfold capillary abnormalities in sclerodermatous chronic GVHD.
H M A Hofstee1, T T de Waal, S Zweegman
1Department of Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Sclerodermatous chronic GVHD (cGVHD) does not exhibit the nailfold capillary abnormalities seen in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This suggests microvascular damage is not involved in cGVHD, and nailfold videocapillaroscopy is not useful for its early detection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) can cause skin changes similar to systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Capillary damage is an early feature of SSc, marked by nailfold capillary abnormalities.
- It remains unknown if sclerodermatous cGVHD shares these microvascular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of nailfold capillary abnormalities in patients with sclerodermatous cGVHD.
- To compare microvascular findings in cGVHD patients with those in SSc patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was employed to assess capillary morphology, density, and loop dimensions.
- The study included 14 patients with sclerodermatous cGVHD, 14 age- and sex-matched SSc patients, and 14 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- All SSc patients displayed severe nailfold capillary abnormalities.
- No significant capillary abnormalities were observed in cGVHD patients or healthy controls.
- cGVHD patients showed no difference in capillary density or loop dimensions compared to controls, but differed significantly from SSc patients.
Conclusions:
- Sclerodermatous cGVHD patients lack the characteristic microvascular abnormalities found in SSc.
- Capillary damage does not appear to be a key factor in the pathophysiology of sclerodermatous cGVHD.
- Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is not suitable for the early diagnosis of sclerodermatous cGVHD.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:05Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Inspection is the initial step in assessing the cardiovascular system. It involves a detailed visual examination that provides crucial information about a patient's circulatory and cardiac health. This systematic process, conducted from head to toe, helps identify signs of cardiovascular conditions by observing physical appearance, skin and mucous membranes, jugular and carotid pulsations, chest symmetry, and the condition of the extremities.
Head and Neck
Head and Neck