Video Capillaroscopic Findings in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: Preliminary Data

Abstract

Background and Aims: Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a non-invasive, easily applicable procedure to assess in vivo microcirculation. Even if in Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) there is a non-specific pattern at the NC, it was often found a reduction in loop length (dwarf loops) unlike rheumatoid arthritis (elongated capillaries).

Materials and Methods: We consecutively enrolled 18 outpatients (16 F and 2 M) with PsA fulfilling CASPAR classification criteria. 18 age- and sex-matched controls were selected. NVC was conducted using the VideoCap 3.0 workstation (DS Medica, Milan, Italy) by an experienced videocapillaroscopist.

Results: A significantly higher number of tortuous capillaries and a reduction in loop length (dwarf loops) was observed in the PsA group (p <0.01) compared to the control group. Additionally, trends were noted for lower capillary density and a higher number of dilated capillaries in the PsA group.