The presence of synchronized perfusion dips in the microcirculation of the resting nail bed

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) has seen limited use in the study of perfusion dynamics such as vasomotion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a prolonged seated position on perfusion dynamics in the nail bed using LSCI.

Perfusion was recorded in digits II to IV bilaterally for 20 min during two separate sessions in ten healthy volunteers. The acclimatization period was 5 min for the 1st session and 20 min for the 2nd. Perfusion variability and the presence of recurring perfusion dips were analyzed. A digital nerve block was done to verify suspected nervous origin of phenomenon.

Synchronized phases of vasoconstriction were observed in all subjects with perfusion dips in all digits bilaterally and simultaneously. Application of a digital nerve block abolished perfusion dips. The frequency of this phenomenon increased by 25.0% (95% CI: 1.6 to 49.2%) in the left-hand digits after a prolonged seated position. Perfusion variability increased by 11.6% (95% CI: 2.6 to 20.3%) in the digits of the left hand. Perfusion changes in right-hand digits did not significantly increase. During the 1st session, temperature increased by 2.7 °C (1.1 to 4.2) while it decreased by 1.3 °C (0.2 to 2.4) during the 2nd session.

The observed perfusion dips are of a centrally mediated nervous origin but are also affected by local factors. They are affected by seating duration and differ between left and right hands, likely because of local micro perfusion dips. This phenomenon seems related to digital thermoregulation.