Nailfold Capillaroscopy and Retinal Findings in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Is There An Association?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) involves fibrosis and vascular changes, particularly in small vessels.
• Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) reveals characteristic vascular abnormalities in SSc.
• Retinal microvascular alterations in SSc are expected but under-described.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the frequency and types of retinal microvascular changes in SSc patients.
• To investigate the association between retinal microvascular changes and NFC findings in SSc.

Main Methods:

• 45 SSc patients were recruited, diagnosed via ACR/EULAR-2013 criteria.
• Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) using USB dermatoscope was performed.
• Fundoscopy, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 28.89% of SSc patients exhibited retinal microvascular changes (mild arteriolar and arteriovenous crossing alterations).
• Retinal changes were more prevalent in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc).
• NFC changes were more severe in patients with retinal disease, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• SSc patients frequently present with retinal microvascular abnormalities mirroring systemic vascular changes.
• The severity of retinal changes correlates with NFC findings.
• NFC can potentially serve as a surrogate marker for retinal involvement in SSc.