Microcirculation disorders of the skin

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Vascular Biology
• Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Cutaneous microcirculation alterations are observed in numerous systemic and dermatological diseases.
• While some changes are benign (e.g., psoriasis, atopic eczema), others indicate serious microangiopathies.
• Systemic sclerosis exemplifies a disease where microcirculatory dysfunction has severe, multi-organ consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic significance of cutaneous microcirculation investigations.
• To underscore the role of microangiopathies in systemic sclerosis.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding microcirculatory disturbances in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) for therapeutic guidance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on skin microcirculation in various diseases.
• Analysis of the role of microangiopathy in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and progression.
• Examination of microcirculatory assessments in managing PAD and CVI.

Main Results:

• Skin microcirculation changes are valuable indicators across a spectrum of diseases.
• Microangiopathy is a key feature of systemic sclerosis, impacting diagnosis and prognosis.
• Microcirculatory assessment aids in therapy and monitoring of PAD and CVI.

Conclusions:

• Investigating skin microcirculation is essential for diagnosing, prognosing, and managing systemic sclerosis.
• Understanding microcirculatory disturbances is critical for effective treatment and monitoring of peripheral hemodynamic disorders.
• Cutaneous microcirculation serves as a vital window into systemic health and disease progression.