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Correlations between cutaneous and retinal microaneurysms in diabetes mellitus (preliminary note)
Biochemistry and Experimental Biology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy shows distinct nailfold capillary changes. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy correlates with dilated capillaries and hemorrhages, while nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy shows aneurysmal "buttons" in skin capillaries.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Capillaroscopy and fluoroangiography are diagnostic tools for assessing microvasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between cutaneous and retinal microvascular conditions in diabetic patients.
- To identify specific capillaroscopic findings associated with different stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Capillaroscopic examination of peri-ungual capillaries.
- Fluoroangiographic examination of the retina.
- Correlation analysis between findings in both districts.
Main Results:
- Subjects with proliferative diabetic retinopathy exhibited greater dilatation of cutaneous capillary loops (ansae) and 70% showed hemorrhagic extravasations.
- Subjects with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy displayed numerous "button-like" aneurysms along the cutaneous vascular ansae.
Conclusions:
- Distinct capillaroscopic patterns are associated with proliferative and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- Nailfold capillaroscopy may serve as a non-invasive method to assess microvascular changes related to diabetic retinopathy stages.