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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy
Published on: October 27, 2015
Nailfold dermatoscopy in general practice
1MBBS, FRACGP, DipACSCM, General Practitioner, Dalyellup Family Medical Centre, and Clinical Senior Lecturer School of Primary, Aboriginal and Rural Health Care with the University of Western Australia, Dalyellup, WA.
Background:
Nailfold capillary examination can assist in distinguishing between primary Raynaud's phenomenon and secondary Raynaud's that is associated with a connective tissue disease. Dermatoscopy is a reliable technique in the evaluation of nailfold capillaries and assists in the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma.
Objective:
This article provides an overview of the usefulness of nailfold capillary dermatoscopy in rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases, and includes the MDAD (morphology, diameter, architecture and density) approach to nailfold dermatoscopy.
Discussion:
Dermatoscopes are useful devices in examining nailfold capillaries. Many general practitioners are skilled in dermatoscopy and are well placed to examine nailfold capillaries. The MDAD approach to nailfold dermatoscopy considers capillary morphology, diameter, architecture and density. In Raynaud's phenomenon, nailfold dermatoscopy assists in the diagnosis of an underlying connective tissue disease.
