Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Rheumatic Diseases : Which Parameters Should Be Evaluated?

Video nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC), considered as an extension of the widefield technique, allows a more accurate measuring andstoring of capillary data and a better defining, analyzing, and quantifying of capillary abnormalities. Capillaroscopic study is oftenperformed on the patients suspected of having microcirculation problems such as Raynaud’s phenomenon as the main indicationfor nailfold capillaroscopy. Capillaroscopic findings based on microcirculation studies can provide useful information in the fieldsof pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and monitoring therapy. Nailfold capillaroscopy provides a vital assessment in clinicalpractices and research; for example, its reputation in the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis is well established and it is also usedas a classification criterion in this regard. This review focuses on the manner of performing video nailfold capillaroscopy and on acommon approach for measuring capillary dimensions in fingers and toes.QC 20150903