Capillaroscopic Findings in Primary Fibromyalgia

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) is frequently observed in primary fibromyalgia patients.
• Limited data exists on capillaroscopic findings in primary fibromyalgia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the capillaroscopic pattern in patients diagnosed with primary fibromyalgia.
• To compare capillaroscopic findings between primary fibromyalgia patients, primary RP patients, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A videocapillaroscope was used to examine 26 primary fibromyalgia patients, 31 primary RP patients, and 35 healthy volunteers.
• Capillary distribution, shape, diameter, density, subpapillary plexus visibility, avascular areas, microhemorrhages, and neoangiogenic capillaries were analyzed.
• Patients with primary fibromyalgia were assessed for the presence of RP symptoms.

Main Results:

• Capillary dilation was the most common capillaroscopic finding in 85% of primary fibromyalgia patients, irrespective of RP symptoms.
• Fibromyalgia patients with RP symptoms exhibited significantly larger mean arterial and venous capillary diameters.
• No microvascular abnormalities indicative of connective tissue diseases were detected in primary fibromyalgia patients.

Conclusions:

• Dilated capillary loops, similar to those in primary RP, are the predominant capillaroscopic finding in primary fibromyalgia.
• The absence of connective tissue disease-specific capillaroscopic signs suggests a distinct microvascular profile in primary fibromyalgia.