In vivo capillary microscopy findings and ophthalmoscopy findings in scleroderma

We used in vivo capillary microscopy to examine the nailfold capillaries of 19 patients with scleroderma (18 women and 1 man; average age 56.6), and compared these findings with those obtained using an ophthalmoscope. The ophthalmoscope revealed hemorrhages in 68% of the patients, a reduction in the number of capillaries in 79%, avascular areas in 79%, and dilated capillaries in 84%. The findings from ophthalmoscopy showed a correlation of approximately 80% with those from capillary microscopy. Since the diagnosis of scleroderma can be confirmed with this instrument, we suggest that it be used when microscopy equipment is not available.