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Nailfold Capillaroscopic (NFC) Changes in Vasculitis and Their Correlation with Systemic Involvement: A
Prachi Bhandare1, Ravina Naik, Yashaswini Mahesh
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, India.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal
|August 15, 2025
Summary
Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) reveals significant microvascular changes in cutaneous vasculitis patients. These changes, including capillary dropouts and avascular areas, correlate with systemic involvement and comorbidities, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Cutaneous vasculitis involves systemic inflammation of blood vessels, with limited data on nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) utility.
- NFC offers direct visualization of microvasculature, showing promise as a diagnostic adjunct for vasculitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) changes in cutaneous vasculitis patients.
- To correlate observed NFC alterations with systemic involvement and clinical features.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 22 patients with cutaneous vasculitis and 15 controls.
- Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) changes were assessed using a handheld dermatoscope over one year.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant NFC findings in vasculitis cases included capillary dropouts, avascular areas, and receding capillaries (P < 0.05).
- NFC alterations like dilated capillaries and avascular areas were more frequent in patients with renal involvement.
- Patients with ulcerative skin lesions or comorbidities showed a higher prevalence of specific NFC changes, such as capillary dropouts and avascular areas.
Conclusions:
- Capillary disorganization, dropouts, receding capillaries, and avascular areas are significant NFC findings in vasculitis.
- NFC changes correlate with systemic involvement, ulcerative lesions, and comorbidities in cutaneous vasculitis.
- Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) serves as a valuable tool for assessing microvascular changes in vasculitis.
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