Real-world nailfold videocapillaroscopy in a referral centre in north-western Colombia: A real-life cohort

Introduction: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a non-invasive tool for the assessment of peripheral microcirculation, the main indication is the study of Raynaud's phenomenon, poorly standardized outside of this context. There is no clear information in real-life about the rea-sons for referral, the presence of clinical findings of autoimmune diseases, the frequency of patterns of autoantibodies, and specific capillaroscopic findings. Objective: The purpose of this survey is to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and angioscopy findings of a cohort of subjects referred to a capillaroscopy service in North-western Colombia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, from 2015 to 2018. Categorical variables were expressed in frequency and percentage and quantitative variables in mean and standard deviation or median with interquartile range, depending on the distribution of the data. Results: A total of 318 capillaroscopies were performed for the first time. The main referral reason was Raynaud's phenomenon (n = 134; 42.1%). The most frequent baseline capillaroscopic pattern found was normal (n = 123; 38.7%). Of the 12 capillaroscopies that presented a non-specific pattern at a 6-month follow-up, only one (8.3%) progressed to a scleroderma pattern. In the subjects with systemic sclerosis, the most frequent clinical finding was sclerodactyly (n = 34; 37.8%), and 42/44 individuals (95.4%) had positive antinuclear antibodies; the most frequent pattern was centromere (n = 27; 64.3%) Conclusions: In a real-world setting, the main referral reason for capillaroscopy was Raynaud's phenomenon; more than a third of the subjects had normal capillaroscopic findings. Sclerodactyly was the most frequent clinical finding in patients with scleroderma capillaroscopic pattern.

Introducción: La videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular es una herramienta no invasiva para la evaluación de la microcirculación periférica; la indicación principal es el estudio del fenómeno de Raynaud. Luego de una revisión de la literatura, no hay información clara sobre los motivos de remisión, presencia de hallazgos clínicos de enfermedades autoinmunes, frecuencia de patrones de autoanticuerpos y hallazgos capilaroscópicos específicos. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos sociodemográficos, clínicos, paraclínicos y capilaroscópicos de sujetos remitidos a un servicio de capilaroscopia en el noroccidente colombiano. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 2015 a 2018. Las variables categóricas se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes, y las variables cuantitativas en media y desviación estándar o mediana con rango intercuartílico, dependiendo de la distribución de los datos. Resultados: Se realizaron 318 capilaroscopias por primera vez. El principal motivo de remisión fue el fenómeno de Raynaud (n = 134; 42,1%). El patrón capilaroscópico basal más frecuente fue el normal (n = 123; 38,7%). De las 12 capilaroscopias que presentaron un patrón no específico en un seguimiento de seis meses, solo una (8,3%) progresó a un patrón de esclerodermia. En los sujetos con esclerosis sistémica, el hallazgo clínico más frecuente fue la esclerodactilia (n = 34; 37,8%), y 42/44 individuos (95,4%) tenían anticuerpos antinucleares positivos; el patrón más frecuente fue el centromérico (n = 27; 64,3%). Conclusiones: La razón principal de remisión para realizar una capilaroscopia fue el fenómeno de Raynaud; más de un tercio de los sujetos tenían hallazgos capilaroscópicos normales. La esclerodactilia fue el hallazgo clínico más frecuente en pacientes con patrón capilaroscópico de esclerodermia.

Nailfold capillaroscopy and microvascular involvement in Diabetes Mellitus / Capilaroscopia de leito ungueal e envolvimento microvascular em Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: to study the relationship between microvascular lesions of Diabetes Mellitus and alterations in the nailfold capillaroscopy. Subjects and Methods: cross-sectional study including 140 individuals (70 with Diabetes Mellitus and 70 controls). Epidemiological and clinical variables were collected from patient's charts. Fundus ophthalmoscopy, nailfold capillaroscopy, analysis of microalbuminuria and renal clearance as well as fasting glycaemia and HbA1c values were studied simultaneously. Results: capillary density was reduced, and vascular dilatation was increased in Diabetes Mellitus patients when compared to controls (both with p<0.0001). In diabetic individuals the number of dermal papillary capillaries/mm3 correlated negatively with microalbuminuria (p=0.02), patient's age (p=0.03), values of HbA1c (p=0.03). Patients with diabetic retinopathy and using antiplatelet agents had lower capillary density (p<0.0001 and 0.04 respectively). Capillary dilatation was associated with disease duration (p=0.04). Conclusion: microvascular disease in Diabetes Mellitus is reflected in nailfold capillaroscopy. Decreased capillary density, increased number of ectasias and increased presence of avascular areas were observed in patients with diabetes when compared to controls. In the present study, capillary density correlated/associate with age, retinopathy, use of antiplatelet medication, HbA1c, microalbuminuria and diabetes duration. Ectasias or dilatations were related to retinopathy, glomerular filtration rate and longer disease duration.

Objetivo: estudar a relação entre lesões microvasculares do Diabetes Mellitus e alterações na capilaroscopia ungueal. Sujeitos e Métodos: estudo transversal incluindo 140 indivíduos (70 com Diabetes Mellitus e 70 controles). Variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas foram coletadas dos prontuários dos pacientes. A oftalmoscopia de fundo, capilaroscopia ungueal, análise de microalbuminúria e depuração renal, bem como glicemia de jejum e valores de HbA1c foram estudados simultaneamente. Resultados: a densidade capilar foi reduzida e a dilatação vascular aumentada em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus quando comparados aos controles (ambos com p <0,0001). Em indivíduos diabéticos, o número de capilares papilares dérmicos/ mm3 correlacionou-se negativamente com microalbuminúria (p = 0,02), idade do paciente (p = 0,03), valores de HbA1c (p = 0,03). Pacientes com retinopatia diabética e em uso de antiagregante plaquetário apresentaram menor densidade capilar (p <0,0001 e 0,04 respectivamente). A dilatação capilar foi associada ao tempo de doença (p = 0,04). Conclusão: a doença microvascular no Diabetes Mellitus reflete-se na capilaroscopia ungueal. Diminuição da densidade capilar, aumento do número de ectasias e aumento da presença de áreas avasculares foram observados em pacientes com diabetes quando comparados aos controles. No presente estudo, a densidade capilar se correlacionou/ se associou com idade, retinopatia, uso de antiagregante plaquetário, HbA1c, microalbuminúria e tempo de diabetes. Ectasias ou dilatações foram relacionadas à retinopatia, à taxa de filtração glomerular e a maior duração da doença.

Accuracy of estimating angle closure by slit-lamp anterior chamber depth examination / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To verify the accuracy of Van Herick method and slit-lamp anterior chamber depth examination in estimating angle closure. <p>METHODS: Totally 52 patients(100 eyes)over 40 years old were randomly selected from our outpatient department from June 2018 to January 2019.Their anterior chamber depth were examined by the methods of Van Herick method and the improved method to sort out peripheral anterior chamber depth are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT and peripheral anterior chamber depth are less than or equal to 1/4 CT. Van Herick's anterior chamber depth inspection method and improved anterior chamber depth inspection method were checked for consistency, and then gonioscopic inspection and UBM inspection under darkroom were performed to check whether the peripheral angle was closed. In order to know whether there was any difference between gonioscopic and UBM inspection for angle closure, the consistency of the two verification results was checked. <p>RESULTS: Peripheral anterior chamber depth are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT by the methods of Van Herick, the positive incidence of angle closure in angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy are 39% and 43% respectively, Peripheral anterior chamber depth are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT by the improved methods, the positive incidence of angle closure in angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopyare 46% and 42% respectively. In the patients whose peripheral anterior chamber depth checked by angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy is less than or equal to 1/4 CT estimated by Van Herick method, the positive rate of angle closure was 67% and 89%, respectively. In the patients whose peripheral anterior chamber depth checked by angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy is less than or equal to 1/4 CT estimated by the improved method, the positive rate of angle closure was 67% and 89%, respectively. The consistency test of the Van Herick method and the improved method showed good consistency(Kappa value: 0.85), when peripheral anterior chamber depth are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT. peripheral anterior chamber depth(>1/4 CT), and good consistency(Kappa value: 0.83)when estimating peripheral anterior chamber depth ≤1/4 CT. According to the consistency test of the results of angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy, when the Van Herick method estimated the depth of peripheral anterior chamber are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT, the consistency was general(Kappa value: 0.73). When the Van Herick method estimated the depth of peripheral anterior chamber is less than or equal to 1/4 CT, the consistency was general(Kappa value: 0.40). According to the consistency test of the results of angioscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy, when the improved method estimated the depth of peripheral anterior chamber are less than or equal to 1/3 CT and more than 1/4 CT, the consistency was good(Kappa value: 0.75). When the improved method estimated the depth of peripheral anterior chamber is less than or equal to 1/4 CT, the consistency was poor(Kappa value: 0). <p>CONCLUSION: The slit lamp anterior chamber depth examination has a certain false negative rate in estimating the angle closure in the population, but its accuracy is high, and it is still suitable for the preliminary examination of estimating the angle closure.

Características de la videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular y de los anticuerpos antinucleares en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune sistémica con fenómeno de Raynaud / Characteristics of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies in a cohort of patients with systemic autoimmune disease with Raynaud's phenomenon

Resumen Introducción: Entre un 15 y un 20% de los pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud progresarán a una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. La presencia de autoanticuerpos o alteraciones capilaroscópicas es fundamental para el diagnóstico temprano. Objetivos: Determinar las características de la videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungular y de los anticuerpos antinucleares en una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en sujetos con fenómeno de Raynaud. Estos fueron evaluados con videocapilaroscopia y anticuerpos antinucleares. Las variables cualitativas se describieron con frecuencias absolutas y relativas; las variables cuantitativas, según la distribución de los datos, se reportaron como media o mediana, con desviación estándar y rango intercuartílico, respectivamente. Resultados: Se incluyeron 58 individuos; el 91,4% eran mujeres. La edad promedio fue 40,9 ± 14,1 arios. En 41 sujetos, los anticuerpos antinucleares fueron positivos; el patrón más común fue el moteado (41,5%), con una mediana de dilución de 1:640 (rango inter-cuartílico 1:320-1:1.280). Se encontró enfermedad autoinmune sistémica en 10 individuos (19,2%), 8 de ellos con esclerosis sistémica. Las alteraciones capilares más frecuentes fueron: megacapilares (n = 10), microhemorragias (n = 10) y zonas avasculares (n = 8). Conclusiones: En este grupo de pacientes con fenómeno de Raynaud sometidos a video-capilaroscopia, el diagnóstico de enfermedad autoinmune sistémica fue realizado en un porcentaje similar a lo reportado en la literatura. Se encontró una mayor dilución de anticuerpos antinucleares que la descrita.

Abstract Introduction: Between 15 and 20% of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon will progress to a systemic autoimmune disease. The presence of autoantibodies or capillaroscopy alterations are fundamental for early diagnosis. Objectives: To determine the characteristics of nailfold videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies in a cohort of patients with systemic autoimmune disease. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects with Raynaud s phenomenon. These were evaluated with videocapillaroscopy and antinuclear antibodies. The qualitative variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies. The quantitative variables, according to the distribution of data, were reported as mean or median, with standard deviation and interquartile range, respectively. Results: The study included 58 individuals, of which 91.4% were women. The mean age was 40.9 ± 14.1 years. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 41 subjects. The most common pattern was speckled (41.5%), with a median dilution of 1:640 (interquartile range 1:3201:1,280). A systemic autoimmune disease was found in 10 (19.2%) patients, 8 of them with systemic sclerosis. The most frequent capillary alterations were: mega-capillaries (n = 10), micro-haemorrhages (n = 10), and avascular zones (n = 8). Conclusions: In this group of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon subjected to videocapillaroscopy, a diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disease was made in a similar percentage to that reported in the literature. A higher dilution of antinuclear antibodies was found than that described.

Capilaroscopia en esclerosis sistémica: una revisión narrativa de la literatura / Capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis: a narrative literature review

La capilaroscopia del lecho ungular es una herramienta relativamente poco conocida fuera de las áreas de reumatología y dermatología, que permite observar la forma, cantidad y organización de los capilares en el lecho ungular. Históricamente, su uso ha sido poco difundido, en parte, por el requerimiento de entrenamiento y equipo especializado, así como la pobre estandarización de este método diagnóstico. No obstante, en los últimos arios y gracias al renovado interés y esfuerzo investigativo de la comunidad académica, se han podido superar estos problemas, convirtiendo la capilaroscopia en un recurso real para el estudio de la microcirculación, siendo especialmente útil en la diferenciación del fenómeno de Raynaud primario del secundario. Estas bondades le han permitido a la capilaroscopia ganar importancia en el ámbito reumatológico, específicamente en el diagnóstico temprano de la esclerosis sistémica, enfermedad con importante afección de la microcirculación, donde la alteración del patrón capilaroscópico permite, además, predecir la aparición de complicaciones como úlceras digitales y compromiso orgánico.

Nailfold capillaroscopy is relatively little known tool outside the areas of rheumatology and dermatology. It is used to observe the shape, number and organisation of the capillaries in the nail bed. It has not been widely used in the past, partly as it required specialised training and equipment, as well as the poor standardisation of this diagnostic method. However, in recent years, thanks to renewed interest and research effort of the academic community, these problems have been able to be overcome, turning capillaroscopy intoreal resource for the study of microcirculation, being especially useful in differentiating primary from secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. These benefits have enabled capillaroscopy to gain importance in the rheumatology field, specifically in the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, a disease with significant microcirculation involvement, where the change in capillaroscopy pattern also helps to predict the onset of complications, such as digital ulcers and organ compromise.

Use of endoscopic vessel harvesting system for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To study the clinical outcome of endoscopic vessel harvesting system (EVH) for the treatment of lower limbs varicose veins.Methods Patients (n =41) with varicose veins admitted from Jan 2011 to May 2013 were randomly divided into EVH group (n =20) and stripping group (n =21).Indexes as postoperative VAPS (48 hours and 1 week),subcutaneous ecchymosis (1 week),hematoma(1 week),skin numbness (1 week),CEAP classification (3 months),surgery effect and satisfaction scores(3 months) were compared between the two groups.Results 48 hours and 1 week VAPS was lower in EVH group(P ＜0.01).After EVH there was less subcutaneous ecchymosis (1 week),hematoma(1 week) and skin numbness (1 week) (all P ＜ 0.01).Postoperative CEAP classification improved significantly in both groups (P ＜ 0.01),while surgery effect and satisfaction scores (3 months) were better in EVH group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions EVH is a safe and minimally invasive technique in treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.

Periungual capillaroscopy in psoriasis / Capilaroscopia periungueal em psoríase

BACKGROUND: Nailfold capillaroscopy is a useful technique for evaluating changes in microcirculation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes at nailfold capillaroscopy in psoriatic patients compared with controls. METHODS: Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in 46 psoriatic patients and 50 controls to assess microscopic morphological changes, capillary density and the presence of areas with devascularization. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had lower capillary density (p=0.0005), increased avascular areas (p=0.0035) and an increased number of morphologically abnormal capillaries (coiled, p<0.0001) compared to controls. No association was found between capillary density and the duration of the disease (p = 0.92) or the extent of skin involvement, as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score (p = 0.59). The presence of avascular areas was more common in psoriatic individuals whose nails were affected by the condition (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis have decreased capillary density and a greater presence of morphologically abnormal capillaries when compared to controls.

FUNDAMENTOS: A capilaroscopia periungueal é um método utilizado no estudo de alterações da microcirculação. OBJETIVO: Verificar alterações na capilaroscopia periungueal de pacientes com psoríase, comparando-os com controles saudáveis. MÉTODOS: A capilaroscopia periungueal foi realizada em 46 pacientes com psoríase e 50 controles, utilizando-se um estereomicroscópio e observando-se alterações morfológicas, densidade capilar e presença de áreas com desvascularização. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com psoríase tinham menor densidade capilar (p=0,0005), maior presença de áreas avasculares (p=0,0035) e de capilares morfologicamente alterados (enrodilhados; p<0.0001) do que os controles. Não se encontrou associação entre densidade capilar e tempo de doença (p=0.92) ou grau de envolvimento cutâneo medido pelo PASI (p=0.59). A presença de áreas avasculares foi mais comum em indivíduos com psoríase que tinham envolvimento ungueal (p=0,047). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com psoríase têm menor densidade capilar e presença de capilares morfologicamente alterados em relação aos controles.

Avaliação da capilaroscopia usando Endotelina-1 como um marcador de ativação endotelial na lesão microvascular e úlceras cutâneas / Evaluation of the capillaroscopy using endothelin-1 as a marker of endothelial activation in microvascular injury and cutaneous ulcerations

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença da ET-1 em pacientes portadores de esclerodermia e a sua correlação com o nível de atividade da doença; verificar se os níveis de endotelina estão associados com o perfil clínico e de autoanticorpos da esclerodermia e, ainda, se há associação com lesão microvascular detectada pela capilaroscopia periungueal. MÉTODOS: Um total de 74 pacientes, sendo 37 portadores de esclerodermia e o restante controle, foram submetidos à dosagem de ET-1 por meio de teste de ELISA. Pacientes com esclerodermia foram analisados através de um questionário sobre características da doença e pesquisa de autoanticorpos. A gravidade da doença foi definida pelos critérios de Medsger e a doença microvascular foi acessada através de capilaroscopia periungueal. RESULTADOS: Dos 37 pacientes com esclerodermia três (8,1%) eram homens e 34 (91,89%) mulheres, com idade média de 48,97 ? 13,36 anos e tempo médio de doença de 42,54 ? 13,35 anos. Os valores da ET-1 nos controles foram de 0,41 a 5,65 pg/ml (mediana de 2,26 pg/ml) e nos com esclerodermia de 0,41 a 8.82 pg/ml (mediana de 0,41 pg/ml) com p de 0,0007. Não houve correlação com o tempo de doença, idade do paciente e com o nível de acometimento cutâneo. Não encontrou-se correlação entre nível de ET-1 sérica e gravidade da doença (p=0,13). Níveis maiores de ET-1 foram observados na forma de superposição (1,49 a 6,82 pg/ml). CONCLUSÃO: Os níveis de ET-1 em esclerodérmicos mostraram-se inferiores aos controles. Não houve associação dos níveis de ET-1 com as variáveis estudadas.

Objectives: To evaluate the presence of ET-1 in patients with scleroderma and its correlation with the level of disease activity; to verify if the levels of endothelin are associated with the clinical profile and autoantibodies of scleroderma, and even if there is an association with microvascular injury detected by nailfold capillaroscopy. METHODS: A total of 74 patients, 37 patients with scleroderma, the remaining being controls, were subjected to measurement of ET-1 by ELISA. Patients with scleroderma were evaluated through a questionnaire about characteristics of the disease and determination of autoantibodies. Disease severity was defined by the criteria of Medsger and microvascular disease was accessed through nailfold capillaroscopy. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients with scleroderma, three (8.1%) were men and 34 (91.89%) women, with a mean age of 48.97 ± 13.36 years and mean disease duration of 42.54 ± 13, 35. The amounts of ET-1 in the controls was 0.41 to 5.65 pg / ml (median of 2.26 pg / ml) and, in the scleroderma group, from 0.41 to 8.82 pg / ml (median, 0.41 pg / ml), with p = 0.0007. There was no correlation with disease duration, patient age and the degree of skin involvement. No correlation was found between serum levels of ET-1 and disease severity (p = 0.13). Higher levels of ET-1 were observed in the form of overlap (1.49 to 6.82 pg / ml). CONCLUSION: The levels of ET-1 in scleroderma were inferior to controls. There was no association of ET-1 levels with the variables studied.

Endotelium in Turner syndrome with capillaroscopy / Endotélio na síndrome de Turner com capilaroscopia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the endothelium function in patients with Turner syndrome using videocapillaroscopy and to compare the results with healthy control. METHODS: Subjects and controls were studied in a temperature-controlled room, 20 days after no nailfold manipulations. The capillaries were visualized by a microscope connected to a television and a computer. The test of post-occlusive reactive hyperemia was performed using a sphygmomanometer attached to the fourth left finger, 20mmHg above maximum arterial pressure during 1 minute, and the following patterns were studied: area of transverse segment, maximal post-ischemia area and time to reach maximal post-ischemia area. RESULTS: The value of measure of transverse segment projected area , the maximal postischemia area of hand nailfold capillary loops using computerized videophotometry and the time to reach maximal post ischemia area were studied in 40 patients with Turner syndrome and 26 healthy women controls of comparable age (20±7.5 versus 18±8.1 years old; p=0.57). There were differences between transverse segment area (706.8±139.1 versus 548.8±117.2; p=0.001). Maximal post-ischemia area (891.3±226.1 versus 643.5±134.3; p=0.001) and the time to reach it (10.8±4.3 versus 5.5±2.5; p=0.001) were different between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Changes of capillary response to ischemia could be observed in patients with Turner syndrome using videocapillaroscopy when they were compared to a healthy control group.

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a função endotelial de pacientes com síndrome de Turner, utilizando a videocapilaroscopia e comparar os resultados com grupo controle saudável. MÉTODOS: Pacientes e controles foram estudados em sala com temperatura controlada, após 20 dias, sem a manipulação das cutículas. Os capilares foram visualizados por microscópio conectado a televisão e computador. O teste de hiperemia reativa pós-oclusiva foi realizado utilizando-se esfigmomanômetro fixado no quarto quirodáctilo da mão esquerda, 20mmHg acima da pressão arterial máxima durante 1 minuto, e os seguintes parâmetros foram estudados: área do segmento transverso, área máxima pós-hiperemia e tempo para alcançar a área máxima pós-hiperemia. RESULTADOS: O valor da área do segmento transverso, área máxima pós-hiperemia dos capilares da região da mão usando-se a videocapilaroscopia computadorizada e o tempo para alcançar a área pós-hiperemia foram estudadas em 40 pacientes com síndrome de Turner e 26 controles do sexo feminino pareados para idade (20±7,5 versus 18±8,1 anos; p=0,57). Houve diferenças nos grupos quanto à área do segmento transverso (706,8±139,1 versus 548,8±117,2; p=0,001). A área máxima pós-hiperemia (891,3±226,1 versus 643,5±134,3; p=0,001) e o tempo para alcançá-la (10,8±4,3 versus 5,5±2,5; p=0,001) foram significativamente diferentes entre pacientes e controles. CONCLUSÃO: Houve alterações na resposta do capilar à isquemia em pacientes com síndrome de Turner utilizando-se videocapilaroscopia quando comparados ao grupo controle saudável.

Uso da capilaroscopia ungueal como método diagnóstico e prognóstico de rosácea / Nailfold capillaroscopy as a diagnostic and prognostic method in rosacea

FUNDAMENTOS: Não há um método adequado e fidedigno de avaliação e seguimento da severidade na rosácea. OBJETIVO: Determinar a importância da capilaroscopia periungueal como método diagnóstico e prognóstico em pacientes portadores de rosácea. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal onde foram submetidos ao exame da capilaroscopia periungueal 8 pacientes com rosácea e 8 controles no período entre maio e julho de 2009. Foram coletados dados clínicos relacionados ao sexo, idade, fototipo, classificação da rosácea de acordo com a classificação de Plewig e Kligman e a classificação da National Rosacea Society. Adicionalmente, avaliamos o tempo de evolução da doença e tratamentos previamente utilizados. RESULTADOS: A grande maioria das pacientes avaliadas (6 das 8 pacientes) apresentavam rosácea grau I (vascular) ou eritêmato-teleangiectásica. A idade média de duração da rosácea foi de 5,96 anos, sendo que 87,5 por cento faziam tratamento com metronidazol tópico. Nenhum paciente tanto do grupo rosácea como controle demonstrou evidência de desvascularização ao exame capilaroscópico. CONCLUSÃO: A capilaroscopia periungueal apresenta um padrão inespecífico e não parece auxiliar no diagnóstico ou prognóstico da rosácea.

BACKGROUND: There is no appropriate and reliable method of evaluating and monitoring severity in rosacea. OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of nailfold capillaroscopy as a diagnostic and prognostic method for patients with rosacea. METHODS: A cross-sectional study where eight patients with rosacea and 8 control subjects were submitted to nailfold capillaroscopy from May to July 2009. We collected clinical data related to gender, age, skin phototype, and rosacea stage according to Plewig and Kligman classification and the classification of the National Rosacea Society. Additionally, we evaluated the progression of the disease and treatment therapies previously used. RESULTS: The majority of the patients evaluated (6 out of 8 patients) had rosacea subtype I (vascular) or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The mean duration of the disorder was 5.96 years, and 87.5 percent of the patients were under treatment with topical metronidazole. Nailfold cappilaroscopy showed that evidence of devascularization was absent in both groups. CONCLUSION: Nailfold capillaroscopy presents a nonspecific pattern and does not seem to help in the diagnosis or prognosis of rosacea.

Microvascular reactivity in type 1 diabetics / Reatividade microvascular em diabéticos tipo 1

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether differences are present in microvascular response to the schemia induced by dynamic videocapillaroscopy (VCD), through analysis of the measured capillar transverse segment area (CTSA) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: The vascular reactivity of the CTSA was studied by VCD, using a reactive hyperemia test in 61 volunteers, being 31 healthy controls without diabetes family history (Group 1) and 30 patients with T1DM without complications (Group 2). The images were captured every two seconds, during reperfusion after one minute induced ischaemia, and they were analyzed by the program Studio Version 8 and Motic Image Plus. The pre-ischemia capillary transverse segment (basal area, BA), the maximum strain post-ischemia (maximum area, MA), and time to achieve it (MAt) were measured during reperfusion, and the increased area percentage (Ap) was estimated. RESULTS: The mean differences between groups were evaluated by the t-test. The median comparisons between the groups were studied by the Mann-Whitney test. There was no difference in BA between the groups. The Ap was significantly lower among the diabetic patients, and there was a significant increase in the Mat among the patients of Group 2 when compared to Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that type 1 diabetes provokes earlier endothelial dysfunction, before the onset of clinically detectable degenerative complications. The outcomes from these alterations need further studies.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se há diferença de resposta microcirculatória à isquemia induzida pela videocapilaroscopia dinâmica (VCD), por meio da análise de medida da área do segmento transverso capilar (ASTC) em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DMT1). MÉTODOS: A reatividade vascular do ASTC foi estudada pela VCD usando o teste de hiperemia reativa em 61 voluntários, sendo 31 controles sadios sem história familiar de diabetes (Grupo 1) e 30 pacientes com DMT1, sem complicações (Grupo 2). As imagens foram capturadas a cada dois segundos, durante a reperfusão após um minuto de isquemia induzida, e analisadas pelo programa Studio Version 8 e Motic Image Plus. O segmento transverso pré-isquemia (área basal, AB), a área máxima pós-isquemia (área máxima, AM) e o tempo para alcançá-la foram medidos durante a reperfusão, e o percentual de incremento foi estimado. RESULTADOS: As principais diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste t. As médias comparativas entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste Mann-Whitney. Não houve diferença na área basal entre os dois grupos. O percentual de incremento foi significativamente menor entre os pacientes diabéticos e houve um aumento significativo no ASTC entre os pacientes do Grupo 2 quando comparados com o Grupo 1. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados sugerem que o diabetes tipo 1 provoca disfunção endotelial precoce, antes mesmo de complicações degenerativas serem detectadas clinicamente. Os fatores que levam a essas alterações necessitam de estudos adicionais.

Prevention of asymptomatic coronary intimal lesion by controlling the risk factors of coronary heart disease / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To explore the prevention of asymptomatic coronary intimal lesion by controlling the risk factors of coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods The relationship between the intimal lesion(such as yellow plaque、plaque rupture and/or thrombus formation)and risk factors(such as hypertension、diabetes、high blood LDL-C、blood pressure and blood sugar in patients with high blood LDL-C)was investigated in the non-culprit vessels of 120 patients with old myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris by applying coronary angioscopy.Results Totally 155 non-culprit vessels in 120 patients were explored and the following findings were observed:(1) There are 80 cases(66.67%)of intimal lesion,40 cases(33.33%)without intimal lesion.(2)In the group with intimal lesion,the simple yellow plaque was observed in 30 cases(25.00%)and complex plaque in 50 cases.(3) In 120 patients,hypertension was observed in 69 cases(57.50%),high blood LDL-C in 79 cases(65.83%)and type 2 diabetes in 40 cases(33.33%).(4)The complex plaques was less common in patients whose BP was less than 140/90 mm Hg than in patients more than 140/90 mm Hg(P0.05).Conclusion The plaque rupture can be well prevented which can reduce the incidence of ACS if the high blood pressure、high blood sugar、high LDL-C are controlled to an ideal level.

Clinical Usefulness of Virtual Angioscopy Using 3D MR Angiography DICOM Images / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate of virtual angioscopy was implemented using MR(magnetic resonance) angiography image of carotid artery. METHODS: The endoscopy system provides a 3D volume rendered image as a navigation map and has the multi planar reformation image along the path and a 2D axial image as a reference image. We segmented the common carotid artery and internal, external carotid artery from the MR angiography image. We used the coordinates as a navigation path for virtual camera that were calculated from medial axis transformation. We used the perspective projection and marching cube algorithm to render the surface from volumetric MR angiography image data. RESULTS: The virtual angioscopy is highly recommended as a diagnosis tool with which the specific place of stenosis can be identified and the degree of stenosis can be measured qualitatively. CONCLUSION: Virtual angioscopy is one of the powerful tool for non-invasive carotid artery and many in-vitro, in-vivo studies have shown the artery stenosis detection. Inside of the carotid artery is one of the body region not accessible by real optical endoscopy but can be visualized with virtual endoscopy.

Study of the relationship between asymptomatic coronary endothelial lesions and coronary risk factors / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To study the occurrence of asymptomatic coronary artery endothelial lesions,and its relationship with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods From June 2003 to September 2004,120 patients with old myocardial infarction(OMI)and stable angina pectoris(SAP)were enrolled in this study.The angioscopy of non-culprit vessels was successfully performed to detect the endothelial lesions including yellow plaque,plaque rupture and/or thrombosis.Meanwhile,the relationships between coronary artery endothelial lesions and hypertension,diabetes mellitus(DM)and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were examined.Results Detailed angioscopic findings were obtained in 80 of the 120 patients(66.67%)(in 155 non-culprit vessels).These lesions demonstrated a significantly higher occurrence in patients with hypertension,in patients with high level of LDL-C and in patients with DM than in patients without endothelial lesions(P

Clinical Study of Acute Arterial Occlusion of Lower Extremities

PURPOSE: The major source of acute peripheral arterial occlusion has been embolization from the heart. However overall improvement in medical care have increased life spans, resulting in significant increase in the incidence of systemic atherosclerosis and thrombotic occlusion of peripheral vessels. Recently, occlusion from in situ thrombosis has surpassed occlusion from embolization as the major cause of acute arterial occlusion. The introduction of the balloon catheter technique in 1963 dramatically simplified the technical aspect of surgical therapy for acute arterial occlusion and it became the main modality of the therapy. Recently, numerous reports have documented increased identification of intraluminal defects after arterial surgery using angioscopy as compared with those using intraoperative arteriography, and for this reason, the use of intraluminal angioscopy has grown in popularity. METHODS: We analyzed clinical characteristics and treatment results in patients with acute arterial occlusion. The variables studied include location, etiology, time interval from occurrence of occlusion to performance of thromboembolectomy. RESULTS: There were 41 men and 4 women and most prevalent age group was in 7th decades. The causes of acute arterial occlusion were embolism in 21 cases (46.7%), thrombosis in 24 cases (53.3%). The primary source of embolism was heart in 20 cases as a result of ischemic heart disease (n=11, 52.4%) and atrial fibrillation (n=9, 42.9%). Two patients in embolic group died of cardiogenic shock and were in shorter duration group (<24 hours). Iliac arterial occlusion group was associated with highest amputation rate (23.1%). Amputation rates were 12.5% for thromboembolectomy performed within 24 hours of onset of symptoms, and 17.4% when performed after 48 hours. We used angioscopic technique in limited cases of 5 patients to detect residual thrombus, intimal flap and other intraluminal defects. CONCLUSION: To improve outcome, early diagnosis and early treatment are essential. Direct visualization of the arterial lumen with angioscopy during thromboembolectomy procedure would provide a more reliable method of assessing luminal morphologic characteristics than angiography alone.

Angioscopic externally valve suture repair in the treatment of femoral superficial vein insufficiency / 中国普通外科杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of angioscopically external valve suture repair. MethodAngioscope was introduced through the terminal great sapherous to the first venous valve of superficial femoral vein. With general femoral vein, deep femoral vein, superficial femoral vein blocked, heparin-contained NS was used to establish water column, and video-guided angioscopy demonstrates the valve′s shape and its degree of defect and deformation. Twelve patients with primary deep venous insufficiency underwent video-valvuloplasty.ResultsPostoperative phlebography showed disappearance of reflux in 9 cases, and significantly reduced reflux in 3 cases. There was no morbidity postoperatively. Conclusion Angioscopic external suture valve repair is safe and effective in the treatment of femoral superficial venous insufficiency.