[Peri-ungual capillaroscopy. Value in the diagnosis of systemic diseases]

The diagnostic value of nailfold capillaroscopy was assessed through blind analysis of a continuous series of 354 examinations. Major and minor dystrophies and capillary bed abnormalities are the best criteria, especially in patients presenting with vascular disorders of the upper extremities. A systemic disease (specificity: 82.7 percent; negative predictive value (NPV): 90.2 percent) and specifically a systemic scleroderma (sensitivity: 97.1 percent and NPV: 99.4 percent) is improbable in case of normal capillaroscopy. First component analysis distinguished patients with definite systemic disease from normal subjects. Its value is dubious in other connective tissue diseases systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's disease, etc.).