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Microvascular abnormalities in patients with vibration white finger
R C Littleford1, F Khan, M O Hindley
1University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Vibration white finger (VWF) is linked to abnormal nailfold capillaries, including dropout and disarrangement. These findings suggest a potential small-vessel vasculitis in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
Background:
- Vibration white finger (VWF) is a condition affecting workers exposed to vibrating tools.
- Nailfold capillary microscopy is a diagnostic tool for microvascular abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nailfold capillary morphology in men with VWF using novel scoring systems.
- To identify specific microvascular alterations associated with VWF.
Main Methods:
- In vivo nailfold capillary microscopy was conducted on 10 men with VWF and 10 controls.
- Adapted existing classifications and developed new scoring systems for capillary morphology (dropout, tortuosity, elongation, etc.).
Main Results:
- Patients with VWF exhibited a complex pattern of abnormal nailfold capillaries.
- Capillary dropout occurred in 70% of VWF patients; 50% showed disarranged polarity.
- Controls displayed normal capillary morphology; 30% of VWF patients had tortuosity and elongation.
Conclusions:
- The observed morphological alterations in VWF suggest a local small-vessel vasculitis.
- Novel scoring systems provide quantitative assessment of VWF-related microvascular changes.