Improvements in digital vasculature observed using micro magnetic resonance angiography after high-dose immunosuppression for severe systemic sclerosis.

摘要

Peripheral vasculopathy is a characteristic feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is frequently associated with early onset of Raynaud's phenomenon and can cause digital ischemia. A recent report of two cases showed the potential reversibility of SSc-related micro-vascular changes at 1 or 5 month after high-dose immunosuppres-sive therapy (HDIT) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The effect of HDIT and autologous HCT on the SSc-related vascular changes of the digital arteries, however, has not been reported. A micro magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique was recently developed for the non-invasive visualization and assessment of the digital arteries and veins in vivo. In this case report, we present quantitative observations of the digital vasculature status using micro MRA before and after HDIT and autologous HCT.