Nail fold capillaries are the window in the body. When talking about connective tissue diseases many can cause changes in the structures and individual capillaries. Usually the nail folds look like upside down U's and the pattern generally is in a picket fence arrangement. The pattern is homogeneous (all the same)!
1The nail fold capillaroscopy is usually preformed by your doctor during a physical exam. Not every doctor will perform this and many don't even know how to perform this! In my opinion I think every doctor should at least be able to perform this and at least tell if it is normal or abnormal!
2This test is performed to check for capillary abnormalaties that can accompany connective tissue disease (but also many other diseases). Usually this test will occur after you have been shown to have Raynauds Disease. In the very narrowest aspect of the test (but also the most important) it is used to check for abnormal patterns in the consistency of the capillaries but also the individual capillaries. If found that would be consistent with Secondary Raynauds! Within the human population many people have Raynauds but there is a small percentage who's raynauds is indicative of a connective tissue disease!
3Once you have had the test done the most basic result will be if it is abnormal or not either secondary raynauds or primary raynauds. If it is considered to be primary raynauds that is really good news! I still believe that other tests should be done to check for connective tissue diseases like an extensive blood work. Not everyone will have capillary changes and you could still progress into a connective tissue disease but the odds are still very low! If the conclusion is secondary raynauds now is the time to try and figure out what it is. It would be a really good time to go and visit with a Rheumatologist! (if you haven't done so already) They will more likely be able to figure out which connective tissue disease it is that you have based on the capillary finding and serological findings (blood tests). One of the most distinct patterns is the scleroderma pattern there are stages (but you are likely not going to get a stage from just any doctor) there is Early, Active, and Late. Early
Overall, I really feel that if you are experiencing any type of symptoms that would point at an autoimmune, rheumatic, or connective tissue disease a nail fold capillaroscopy is a must! I will be very happy when every clinician in the field knows how to use this procedure and actually implements it!
Overall, I really feel that if you are experiencing any type of symptoms that would point at an autoimmune, rheumatic, or connective tissue disease a nail fold capillaroscopy is a must! I will be very happy when every clinician in the field knows how to use this procedure and actually implements it!
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