MICROVASCULAR CAPILLAROSCOPIC ABNORMALITIES IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Microvascular circulation was investigated by nailfold capillaroscopy in 32 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In all the patie nts elongated and tiny capillaries as well as tortuousity were the mai n shape abnormalities of the capillary loops. Higher subpapilar venous plexus (SPVP) visibility was evidentiated in patients presenting anti nuclear and anti-RANA antibodies. No differences in the capillaroscopi c pattern were found between rheumatoid factor positive and rheumatoid factor negative patients. In conclusion, elongated and tortuous capil laries seem to be the main alterations in RA, although they are not sp ecific to the disease and are not correlated with the presence of rheu matoid factor. Higher SPVP visibility may be an expression of the endo thelial damage induced by antinuclear antibodies in vessel walls.