Microvascular abnormalities in asymptomatic chronic smokers: A videocapillaroscopic study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Dermatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• Microvascular changes may precede overt vascular disease.
• Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a noninvasive method to assess microcirculation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nailfold capillaroscopic abnormalities in asymptomatic chronic smokers.
• To compare microvascular findings between smokers and healthy nonsmokers.
• To evaluate the utility of nailfold videocapillaroscopy in detecting smoking-related vascular changes.

Main Methods:

• Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was performed on 30 asymptomatic chronic smokers and 30 healthy nonsmokers.
• Images were captured at 40× magnification using a videodermatoscope.
• Capillary morphologies assessed included enlargement, tortuosity, and microhemorrhages.

Main Results:

• Capillaroscopic abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in smokers (53.3%) than nonsmokers (23.3%) (p < 0.05).
• Capillary enlargement was the most common abnormality observed in smokers.
• Smokers also showed a higher incidence of combined capillary enlargement and microhemorrhages.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic chronic smokers exhibit more nailfold capillaroscopic abnormalities than healthy individuals.
• Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is an effective tool for identifying microvascular alterations in smokers.
• Early detection of these abnormalities may aid in risk stratification and prevention of vascular events.