[Periungual capillaroscopy in psoriatic arthritis]

Clin Ter. 1999 Nov-Dec;150(6):409-12.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is the evaluation of the microcirculation trough periungueal capillaroscopy in patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis.

Materials and methods: Eighteen patients (mean age 44 years, nine males and nine females) were examined according to the different clinical forms (spondylitic, mutilans, simil-rheumatoid, onyco-arthritis, oligo-articular) of the disease.

Results: In most of the patients, the exam showed a reduction in ansas' density and in capillary length and calibre as well as interstitial edema and expansion of the ansa venular portion with coiling and kinking, demonstrating the re-organization of the veins and the neo-angiogenesis. Avascular areas and microaneurysm have been found only in the "mutilans" form. In the "simil-rheumatoid" form, ansa reduced in length and calibre have been observed at capillaroscopy, a pattern different from that reported by others, in rheumatoid arthritis (characterized by thin but lengthened ansa). In the "spondylitic" form, the video-microscopical pattern was negative.

Conclusions: This study is still ongoing in order to evaluate the results in a more representative sample.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / pathology*
  • Capillaries / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopic Angioscopy / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nails / blood supply*