Background Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NFC), allows for the detection of changes in microcirculation characteristic of connective tissue diseases. Sistemic Sclerosis (SSc) is one of the diseases most recognized as presenting alterations in the microcirculation of the nailfold capillaries. In other rheumatic diseases, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) the existence of a defined pattern has not been found.

Objectives The main objective of our study was to detect the possible existence of a defined pattern in the microcirculation of the nailfold capillaries of patients with GPA. The second objective was to investigate the possible correlation between abnormalities found and systemic involvement.

Methods Medical records of patients with GPA, within our Rheumatology department, were reviewed. Demographic and clinical variables of each patient were recorded and the. We identified 10 patients with a current mean age of 55.7±16.5 years and predominantly female (60%). The mean age at diagnosis was 49.4±15.86 years. 70% had upper respiratory tract involvement (sinusitis, nasal ulcers), the same percentage had pulmonary involvement (cavitated nodules or alveolar hemorrhage), the cutaneous manifestations such as purpura or necrotic ulcers were present in 70%. About 40% had renal involvement (renal failure, proliferative glomerulonephritis), and 40% had peripheral neurological involvement. NFC was carried out by the same rheumatologist, on fingers 3 through to 5 of both hands using a ZUZI videocapillaroscopy, trinocular, dual illumination and zoom of 1× 4×.

Results Abnormalities of the microcirculation of nailfold capillaries were found in 8 of the 10 patients. Among the patients with this pathological microcirculation, 62.5% had structural alterations (tortuous capillaries), 50% presented with micro-hemorrhage (single or multiple), avascular areas were found in 37.5% and 75% showed lower capillary density. Neither capillary dilation nor the formation of new vessels were detected within the sample of patients. Next table correlates capilaroscopic finding with organ involvement

Conclusions NFC is a useful tool for study of Raynaud’s patients specially to identify those with a progression to SSc. Capiloroscopic changes has been related to SSc severity. In cutaneous vasculitis has been described a pattern of angiogenesis, with hemorrhage and thrombosis. However we have few studies in systemic vasculitis. In Behçet disease have been reported petechiae in 50% of patients and megacapillaries in a similar way like of ES. There is one only study in GPA which communicates a high percentage (92%) of avascular areas. We have observed in our patients, more frequent bleeding, avascular areas and reduced capillary density. These findings were not related with any specific organ involvement. Further studies may be required with more patients to confirm these findings and possible patterns associated with GPA.

1. Anders HJ, Haedecke C, Sigl T, Krüger K. Avascular areas on nailfold capillary microscopy of Patients with Wegeners granulomatosis. Clin Rheumatol. 2000, 19(2):86-8.

Disclosure of Interest None Declared