Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
Published on: February 28, 2025
Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy Alterations in Dermatomyositis and Systemic Sclerosis: Toward Identification of a
Andreina Manfredi1, Marco Sebastiani2, Federica Campomori2
1From the Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Modena; Rheumatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia; Rheumatology Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.A. Manfredi, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena; M. Sebastiani, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena; F. Campomori, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena; N. Pipitone, MD, Rheumatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia; D. Giuggioli, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena; M. Colaci, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena; E. Praino, MD, Rheumatology Unit, University of Bari; C. Ferri, MD, Professor, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena. andreina.manfredi@gmail.com.
Objective:
The term scleroderma pattern typically defines capillary abnormalities of scleroderma spectrum disorders, mainly systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis (DM). Our study aimed to investigate differences in nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) between DM and SSc, with a cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation.
Methods:
NVC features of 29 consecutive patients with DM were compared with 90 patients with SSc categorized into the 3 subsets of scleroderma pattern: early, active, and late. Twenty patients with DM and all with SSc were also longitudinally reevaluated after 30 months of followup.
Results:
At baseline, all SSc groups showed giant capillaries, with significant differences with DM only for early and active pattern. Ramified capillaries were significantly more frequent and severe in DM than in early and active patterns, while DM showed an opposite trend compared with late pattern. Capillary loss was lower in early pattern and higher in active and late, compared with DM. Finally, giant-ramified capillaries were almost exclusive of DM. During followup, NVC showed a different evolution in DM and SSc. In DM we recorded a reduction of giant capillaries, while ramified capillaries increased both in DM and in early and active SSc pattern. The number of capillaries recovered in DM; conversely, capillary loss slightly worsened in all SSc patterns. Giant-ramified capillaries significantly decreased in patients with DM, remaining rare in patients with SSc.
Conclusion:
Our study strengthens the specificity of DM and SSc microangiopathy and points out the need for large prospective studies to confirm our results and possibly to revise current terminology by distinguishing between "scleroderma" and "dermatomyositis" patterns.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
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...
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management