Capillaroscopic abnormalities · scleroderma pattern

Nailfold capillaroscopy describes microcirculation; a scleroderma pattern combines characteristic abnormalities.

Examine several fingers after acclimatisation; check scale and recognise trauma, manicure effects or poor visibility.

Describe calibre, density, haemorrhage, avascular areas and architecture; one enlarged capillary is insufficient.

The pattern suggests the scleroderma spectrum; comparable abnormalities may accompany other connective-tissue diseases.

Non-specific abnormalities and traumatic microhaemorrhage must be distinguished from an organised disease pattern.

Integrate Raynaud phenomenon, puffy fingers, sclerodactyly and autoantibodies; capillaroscopy does not replace clinical assessment.

Capillary loss indicates microvascular damage; a single image does not grade overall systemic severity.

Early, active and late are morphological patterns, not precise measures of disease duration.

Assess all components and multiple fields; assign a pattern only with the necessary information.

• Nailfold capillaroscopy—Principles and clinical application - PMC ↗
• Nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis – state of the art: The evolving knowledge about capillaroscopic abnormalities in systemic sclerosis - PMC ↗

Documentary review: 2026-10-12