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Nailfold capillaroscopy in leprosy
Adma Silva de Lima1, Vanessa Irusta Dal Pizzol2, Scheila Fritsch2
1Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB) - Blumenau (SC), Brazil.
Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|November 10, 2016
Summary
Nailfold capillaroscopy revealed alterations in 60% of leprosy patients, including micro-hemorrhages and abnormal capillaries. These findings suggest non-specific changes, indicating no distinct capillaroscopic pattern for Hansen's disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Growing evidence highlights interactions between Hansen's bacilli and endothelial cells.
- Limited research exists on nailfold capillaroscopic findings in Hansen's disease patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate capillaroscopic alterations in patients with various forms of leprosy.
- To correlate these alterations with clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of ten patients diagnosed with leprosy at a specialized university service.
- Nailfold capillaroscopy to assess microvascular changes.
Main Results:
- Sixty percent of evaluated patients exhibited capillaroscopic changes.
- Observed alterations included micro-hemorrhages, ectatic, bushy, and corkscrew capillaries.
- These changes were found to be non-specific.
Conclusions:
- Capillaroscopic alterations are present in a significant portion of leprosy patients.
- The observed changes lack a specific pattern for Hansen's disease.
- Further research may be needed to understand the vascular implications in leprosy.
