ABSTRACT
The in vivo capillaroscopy of the proximal finger naifold is an easy non invasive, sensitive and sensible procedure useful for the evaluation of patients with connective tissue diseases.Sixty five patients with progressive systemic sclerosis systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis raynauds phenomenon or rheumatoid arthritis underwent capillaroscopy and are the subjet of this report. Our findings agree with the notion os charscteristic patterns for some or these entities: The so called SD pattern was found in all cases of dermatomyiositis in 93% of systemic sclerosis and in 80% of primary raynauds phenomenon. In rheumatoid arthritis no charaxteristic pattern was found. In patients with capillaroscopy might predict the future devolopment of a systemic connective tissue disease.