Nailfold capillaroscopic changes in Egyptian patients with psoriatic arthritis in comparison to rheumatoid arthritis

摘要

IntroductionNailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is simple technique for assessment of the microvascular changes recognized in both diseases can be used in helping the differential diagnosis.Aim of the workTo determine the nailfold capillaroscopic changes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their relation to disease activity.Patients and methodsTwenty PsA and 20 RA patients were studied. Disease activity score (DAS28) was assessed. NFC examination was done to all patients.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in capillary density (8.65?±?1.39 vs 9.5?±?1/mm; p?=?0.02) and increase in mean capillary width (28.4?±?7.8?μm vs 22.9?±?4.3?μm; p?=?0.01) in PsA than RA patients. Hairpin, organized capillaries were found in all RA patients while in PsA patients tortuous capillaries were found in 100% and disorganized capillaries in 35%. A significant increase in hemorrhages (65% versus 10%; p?