Capillaroscopic nail fold changes in collagen vascular diseases: A prospective observational study from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Western India

Abstract

: To examine nail changes with capillaroscopy in patients with collagen vascular diseases. In this prospective observational study, patients with collagen vascular diseases presented to dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center were subjected to capillaroscopy. Structural and morphological abnormalities in these patients were noted. Fifty patients (Mean age 38.2 years; 86% females) with mean disease duration of 1.96 years were included. Patients with systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus constituted 34% and 32% patients respectively. Twenty two (44%) patients had presence of dilated nail fold capillary loops. Out of 17 patients with systemic sclerosis, 15(88.23%) and 14(87.5%) showed dilated nail fold capillary loops and capillary drop-pouts respectively. Capillary dropouts were observed in 14(82.35%) patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon, splinter hemorrhage and fingertip scarring was observed in 11(64.71%), six (35.29%) and 33(17.65%) patients respectively. Ragged cuticle was observed in four (25%) patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. In our study, systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus were two most common disorders. Dilated nail fold capillary loops/giant capillaries were the most common observation in overall population. Dilated nail fold capillary loops, capillary dropouts, Raynaud’s phenomenon, splinter hemorrhage and fingertip scarring were common in patients with systemic sclerosis.