Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026
Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
Published on: February 28, 2025
Correlation between elastosonography and nailfold microvascular alterations in systemic sclerosis patients
Rosa Daniela Grembiale1, Caterina Bruno1, Cesare Tripolino1
1Rheumatology Research Unit, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Italy.
Aim:
Vascular damage and fibrotic process represent the pathophysiological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Peripheral microangiopathy can be early detected by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), whereas recent studies suggest that ultrasound real time elastosonography (US-RTE) can be a useful tool to evaluate the reduction of skin elasticity. The aim of our study was to investigate possible correlations between NVC microvascular alterations and finger tissue stiffness evaluated with US-RTE in SSc subjects.
Methods:
20 subjects (16 women and 4 men) who met the ACR criteria for SSc were recruited. All subjects underwent complete clinical examination, NVC and US-RTE evaluation. US-RTE was carried out on both the hands, at the level of the palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the fingers.
Results:
10 subjects showed limited disease subset (LSS) and 10 showed diffuse disease subset (DSS). Eight patients had 'Early/Active' NVC pattern and 12 had 'Late' NVC pattern. DSS subjects showed highest skin stiffness values when compared to both LSS (p = 0.03) and healthy subjects (p = 0.002). Multiple regression analysis shows an independent association between Late NVC pattern and skin stiffness (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.027).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates, for the first time, a strong relationship between microvascular alterations and skin stiffness, evaluated with US-RTE, in SSc patients.
