Search

Background: Despite significant interest in intracoronary thrombi in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA), the phenomenon remains unclarified. Therefore, we investigated a possible relationship using coronary angioscopy (CAS) in VSA patients. Methods: Sixty patients with VSA, for whom we could assess the spastic segment using CAS, were retrospectively studied. An intracoronary thrombus on CAS was a white thrombus and an erosion-like red thrombus. We verified the clinical characteristics and lesional characteristics as they determined the risk of intracoronary thrombus formation. Results: There were 18 (30%) patients with intracoronary thrombi. More of the patients with intracoronary thrombi were male, current smokers and had severe concomitant symptoms; however, no statistically significant difference was observed upon logistic regression analysis. There were 18 (26%) coronary arteries with intracoronary thrombi out of 70 coronary arteries recognised in the spastic segments. Furthermore, atherosclerotic changes and segmental spasms were significant factors responsible for such lesions. Conclusion: Intracoronary thrombi occurred in 30% of VSA patients and much attention should be paid to the intracoronary thrombogenicity of VSA patients.

Aortogenic embolization is among the major mechanisms of cryptogenic stroke. Angioscopic surveillance of the aortic wall clearly visualized the existence of thrombi and spontaneously ruptured plaques, which dynamically liberated embolic materials. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

The article describes the case of dermatomyositis in a 15-year-old boy with Epstein-Barr virus-related nasopharyngeal cancer receiving nivolumab. Highlights include nivolumab introduced for bone and lymph node metastases, bushy and giant ramified capillaries revealed by nailfold capillaroscopy, and elevated serum creatine kinase and aldolase levels shown by laboratory findings.

The article describes the case of a 49-year-old Caucasian male who developed relapsing polychondritis (RP) and took the initiative to take consecutive photographs of his digital ulcers (DU) before being seen at the rheumatology clinic. Topics covered include the medical history of the patient, the potential of smartphone photographs in allowing the remote diagnosis and monitoring of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related DU, and how the images helped in the assessment of treatment response.

Use of angioscopy to directly observe the stent lumen in the chronic phase after carotid artery stenting (CAS) has not been reported to date. Here we report 3 patients in whom angioscopy helped confirm the stent lumen during retreatment after CAS. Case 1 required retreatment for stent shortening that occurred 1 month after the first CAS. Preprocedure angioscopy showed the presence of neointima, which could not be revealed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). In case 2, which required repeat CAS for distal progressive stenosis of the internal carotid artery, the neointima was observed on the stent surface and was more pronounced on the distal side. In case 3, retreatment was necessary for recurrent ischemic stroke caused by stent restenosis; preprocedure angioscopy showed an unstable plaque, which was not detected as vulnerable by IVUS, protruding into the stent lumen, with partial ulceration and bleeding. Compared with IVUS, angioscopy enables a more detailed observation of the stent lumen. Although angioscopy is relatively invasive, its use in evaluating changes in the stent lumen after CAS should be clarified by accumulation of reported cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to elucidate the vascular responses to paclitaxel-eluting stent (Zilver PTX stent) in superficial femoral artery lesion at different elapsed times using angioscopy. Patients who received Zilver PTX stent implantation from five centers were enrolled. We performed angioscopic examinations at 2, 6, and 12 months after implantation and evaluated neointimal coverage (NIC) grade, intra-stent thrombus (IS-Th) grade, and presence of yellow plaque. NIC grade 0 was defined as stent struts exposed; grade 1, struts transparently visible although covered; grade 2, struts embedded in the neointima, but translucent; and grade 3, struts fully embedded and invisible. IS-Th was graded as follows: grade 0 (none), 1 (focal), and 2 (diffusely spread). Angioscopic follow-up evaluation was performed at 2 months (25 patients, 42 lesions), 6 months (18 patients, 23 stents), and 12 months (14 patients, 24 stents) after stent implantation. Dominant NIC grade significantly increased over time; however, 16.3% of the cases had NIC grade 1 or 2 at 12 months. IS-Th grade decreased; however IS-Th and yellow plaque were persistently observed in 62.5% and 83.3% cases, respectively, at 12 months. An ongoing healing response was observed at 12 months after implantation; however, thrombogenic findings were noted. Prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy could potentially enhance the clinical utility of Zilver PTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascularity is an important parameter closely associated with the scar maturation. Reliable and accurate measurement of vascularity helps to monitor the scar change and adopt targeted interventions to prevent excessive scarring and achieve promising outcomes. However, there is no consensus on the assessment tools for the vascularity measurement in scars. This systematic review presents evidence on the available vascularity measurement tools.Methods: A systematic literature search was done using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Science Direct databases. Studies, which used non-invasive measurement tools and explored their clinimetric properties, were identified and included in this review.Results: A total of 1458 articles were obtained, and 26 articles were finally included in this review. Subjective vascularity measurement scales include the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) while objective vascularity measurement devices consist of the color-measuring device, the blood flow measuring device and the morphological imaging device.Conclusion: Subjective scales are easy to use and have acceptable reliability to give a preliminary impression of the scar vascularity. Three types of objective devices are not equivalent and are mainly based on the blood flow and angiogenesis to quantify the scar vascularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the presence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pattern on noninvasive tool nailfold capillaroscopy in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in the Netherlands. Topics include the association of this presence with pulmonary function tests two or more years after presentation, the significant contribution of lung involvement in connective tissue diseases (CTD) and the authors' argument on performing capillaroscopy on CTD-related lung involvement.

Objective: To evaluate the association of ulnar artery occlusion (UAO) assessed using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) with the severity markers of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: Two hundred four unselected patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2013 classification criteria for SSc were included in this cross‐sectional multicenter study. All patients underwent bilateral hand DUS to evaluate the presence of UAO and clinical/paraclinical visceral evaluation according to current guidelines. Univariable and multivariable ordinal regression models were applied, grading the severity of UAO as "no UAO," "only one UAO," and "UAO on both hands," and assessing its association with clinical features of SSc. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results: UAO was found in 76 patients (37.3%) and was bilateral in 49 patients (24%). UAO as an ordinal event was significantly associated with disease duration, history of fingertip ulcers, telangiectasia, higher modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS), worse diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) values, higher tricuspid jet velocity, late capillaroscopic pattern, and positivity for anticentromere antibodies (ACAs) (univariable analysis). In the adjusted multivariable ordinal model, UAO was less frequent in women (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.15–0.83], P = 0.017) and in patients receiving steroids (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.09–0.62], P = 0.0034). In multivariable analyses, significant association with UAO was retained for history of fingertip ulcers (OR 2.55 [95% CI 1.24–5.21], P = 0.011), higher MRSS (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.06–2.56], P =0.025), lower DLco values (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.78–0.94], P = 0.0015), and ACA positivity (OR 2.89 [95% CI 1.36–6.11], P = 0.0056). Conclusion: UAO may represent a relevant severity marker of vasculopathy in SSc. Its predictive value for the onset of severe vascular manifestations such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, and its association with mortality, remain to be determined in longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of plaque protrusion after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is important for predicting periprocedural ischemic complications. In contrast to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), angioscopy allows direct visualization of the plaque. The aim of this study was to evaluate utility and safety of angioscopy during CAS and compare it with IVUS. The study included 13 carotid artery stenosis lesions in 11 consecutive patients (mean age 70.5 years; 10 men) at a single center. During CAS procedure, poststenting plaque protrusion was evaluated with angioscopy and IVUS. Mean level of internal carotid artery stenosis was 79.2%. Eight lesions were symptomatic, and 5 lesions were predicted to have vulnerable plaque by preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging. A carotid WALLSTENT was placed in all cases. After stenting, angioscopy provided good visualization in all cases. Plaque protrusions were observed in 1 case by IVUS and in 8 cases by angioscopy. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed positive lesions in 3 cases (23%). For 2 of these lesions, plaque protrusions were observed by angioscopy but not by IVUS. All lesions associated with positive diffusion-weighted imaging findings were observed to have yellow plaque on angioscopy. Angioscopy provided direct visualization of stent lumens after CAS. Angioscopy detected more plaque protrusion than IVUS and allowed clearer observation of plaque characteristics. Angioscopy may be more useful than IVUS for examination of plaque protrusion and plaque evaluation after CAS, especially for plaque identified as potentially vulnerable by preprocedural examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disorder with a poor prognosis. Recently, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been reported to be an effective treatment for inoperable patients with CTEPH. However, this catheter-based treatment has potentially life-threatening vascular complications. To improve the efficacy and safety of BPA, we assessed the morphological evaluation of organised thrombus and the vascular injury by BPA procedure.Methods: In this study, we assessed the morphology of organised thrombi and the vascular injury observed by angioscopy during BPA in 28 lesions from nine CTEPH patients.Results: Angioscopy visualised various forms of organised thrombi such as 'Mesh', 'Slit', 'Flap' and 'Mass' and allowed for a detailed evaluation of organised thrombus that was difficult to do by conventional contrast angiography. In addition, after balloon dilation for BPA, angioscopy revealed a haemorrhage due to a vessel wall injury caused by wiring and/or ballooning.Conclusions: Assessment of organised thrombus and vascular injury by angioscopy might contribute to improving the treatment of the patients with CTEPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the associations between microvascular abnormalities as assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) and pulmonary and cardiac involvement in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) who are assessed after medium- to long-term follow-up.Methods: Fifty-eight patients with juvenile DM were examined a mean ± SD of 17.0 ± 10.6 years after symptom onset. Nailfold capillary density (NCD) and a neovascular pattern (defined as an active or late scleroderma pattern) were analyzed, with blinding to clinical data. Pulmonary involvement was assessed by pulmonary function tests including spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), and body plethysmography. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was also performed. Cardiac involvement was assessed by electrocardiography, Holter monitoring (heart rate variability), and echocardiography.Results: Patients with low NCD (<6 capillaries/mm) (n = 21), compared to patients with normal NCD (≥6 capillaries/mm) (n = 37) had lower forced vital capacity (89.7% versus 98.5% predicted), total lung capacity (87.8% versus 94.5% predicted), and more often had low DLco values (15 [71%] of 21 patients versus 14 [38%] of 37 controls) (all P < 0.05). Use of HRCT to assess airway disease was more frequent in the group with low NCD (6 [30%] of 20 patients versus 3 [8%] of 36 patients in the normal NCD group; P = 0.034). No associations between NCD and cardiac parameters or between neovascular pattern and pulmonary or cardiac parameters were observed.Conclusion: In patients with juvenile DM, low NCD was associated with lung involvement, which was mostly subclinical. No significant associations with cardiac involvement were observed. These results shed light on possible mechanisms underlying organ involvement, but further and preferably larger studies are needed to identify NCD as a potential biomarker for lung and cardiac involvement in juvenile DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Nailfold capillaroscopy is being increasingly used by rheumatologists in the diagnosis of SSc. However, assessment of all nailfolds can be time-consuming in a busy outpatient clinic. Our aim was to answer the question as to how many (and which) fingers a clinician should routinely assess to capture accurately the true state. Methods A total of 2994 assessments (by an international panel of expert observers) of 1600 images from 173 participants (101 with SSc, 22 with primary RP and 50 healthy controls) were included in this analysis. Seven single-finger or finger combinations (derived from the middle and ring fingers) were then tested for sensitivity for the presence of two markers of capillary abnormality [presence of giant capillaries and an SSc grade (early, active or late)] compared with assessment of all eight fingers. Results For the eight-finger gold standard, sensitivity against the diagnostic criteria was 74.6% (53.0% for the presence of giants alone and 73.1% for image grade alone). Examining only one finger gave low sensitivity (ranging from right middle 31.7% to left ring 46.6%). Examining both ring fingers gave a sensitivity of 59.8%, whereas examining the four-finger combination of both ring and both middle fingers gave a sensitivity of 66.7%. Conclusion During routine capillaroscopic examination, ideally all eight nailbeds (excluding thumbs) should be examined, otherwise some abnormalities will be missed. Examining only four fingers reduces capillaroscopy sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deepened periodontal pockets exert a significant pathological burden on the host and its immune system, particularly in a patient with generalized moderate to severe periodontitis. This burden is extensive and longitudinal, occurring over decades of disease development. Considerable diagnostic and prognostic successes in this regard have come from efforts to measure the depths of the pockets and their contents, including level of inflammatory mediators, cellular exudates and microbes; however, the current standard of care for measuring these pockets, periodontal probing, is an analog technology in a digital age. Measurements obtained by probing are variable, operator dependent and influenced by site‐specific factors. Despite these limitations, manual probing is still the standard of care for periodontal diagnostics globally. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this technology needs to be updated to be compatible with the digital technologies currently being used to image other orofacial structures, such as maxillary sinuses, alveolar bone, nerve foramina and endodontic canals in 3 dimensions. This review aims to summarize the existing technology, as well as new imaging strategies that could be utilized for accurate evaluation of periodontal pocket dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and immunological significance of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Methods Seventy consecutive Japanese patients with untreated IIMs, enrolled between April 2014 and August 2017, were prospectively studied. Clinical features, NVC findings, autoantibody profile by immunoprecipitation and ELISA, and histopathological findings of skin biopsies of DM rash were assessed at baseline and after 1-year of immunosuppressive therapy. Results NVC abnormalities were found in 55.7% (39/70) of IIM patients, with significantly higher prevalence in DM (65.4%) compared with PM (27.8%) (P = 0.01). In subsets of patients classified by autoantibody specificities, the prevalence of NVC abnormalities was significantly higher in patients with anti-MDA5 (87.5%) and anti-transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (88.9%) vs anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (26.9%, P < 0.001). Perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis of skin rash biopsy of DM was more severe in patients with NVC abnormalities (P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, NVC abnormalities disappeared in 75% of IIM patients after 1-year of immunosuppressive therapy in contrast to stable NVC changes seen in scleroderma patients. Conclusion Nailfold microvascular abnormalities were common in DM patients, associated with anti-MDA5 and transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ antibodies, and perivascular inflammation in skin histology. NVC abnormalities in IIMs may become clinically useful markers for defining subsets of DM and understanding the pathogenesis of the clinical features seen in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (Orsiro, O-SES) exhibits satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, no report to date has documented the intravascular status of artery repair after O-SES implantation. We examined 5 O-SES placed in 4 patients (age 65 ± 12 years, male 75%) presenting with stable angina pectoris due to de novo lesions in native coronary arteries. Coronary angioscopy was performed immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention and 1 year later. Angioscopic images were analyzed to determine the following: (1) dominant grade of neointimal coverage (NIC) over the stent; (2) maximum yellow plaque grade; and (3) existence of thrombus. Yellow plaque grade was evaluated both immediately after stent implantation and at the time of follow-up observation. The other parameters were evaluated at the time of follow-up examination. NIC was graded as: grade 0, stent struts exposed; grade 1, struts bulging into the lumen, although covered; grade 2, struts embedded in the neointima, but translucent; grade 3, struts fully embedded and invisible. Yellow plaque severity was graded as: grade 0, white; grade 1, light yellow; grade 2, yellow; and grade 3, intensive yellow. Angioscopic findings at 1 year demonstrated the following: dominant NIC grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 in 1, 2, and 2 stents, respectively; all stents were covered to some extent; focal thrombus adhesion was observed in only 1 stent. Yellow plaque grade did not change from immediately after stent implantation to follow-up. O-SES demonstrated satisfactory arterial repair 1 year after implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that increased salt consumption induces blood pressure- (BP) mediated organ damage, yet it remains unclear whether it reflects a generalized micro- and macrovascular malfunction independent of BP. We studied 197 newly diagnosed and never-treated individuals with hypertension, intermediate hypertensive phenotypes, and normal BP, classified by use of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Sodium excretion and microalbuminuria were estimated in 24-hour urine samples, dermal capillary density was estimated from capillaroscopy, and arterial stiffness was estimated with pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Sodium excretion correlated with microalbuminuria (p<0.001) and 24-hour and day- and nighttime systolic BP, but not with office blood pressure, arterial stiffness, or capillary density. In the multivariate analysis, the association with microalbuminuria was maintained (p=0.007). In a population free from the long-standing effects of hypertension, increased salt intake appears to be associated with early signs of vascular kidney damage, rather than a diffuse micro- and macrovascular impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Incidental durotomy (ID) during surgery for lumbar herniated disks or lumbar spinal stenosis is a serious complication that requires immediate recognition and repair. The incidence of ID during percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression has increased along with the demand for endoscopic spinal surgery. The management of ID during endoscopic surgery is more complicated and difficult than management during open surgery. A hemostatic agent, TachoSil (Nycomed, Linz, Austria), is used for control of local bleeding in several types of surgery, but its use in dural repair in endoscopic spinal surgery has not been described. Case Description We present 3 cases in which the double-layer TachoSil packing technique was used in the management of ID during percutaneous stenoscopic lumbar decompression. Conclusions This case report reconfirms the efficacy and utility of TachoSil for IDs that occur during endoscopic spinal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use and effectiveness of TachoSil for managing IDs during endoscopic spinal surgery. We hope that other surgeons will find this technique helpful in managing IDs. Highlights • All instrumental manipulations should be done within the endoscopic view, and invisible epidural space should be avoided. • Removal of the structures while the cutting surface of the instrument is another way to prevent incidental durotomy. • If incidental durotomy occurs during surgery, immediate and appropriate treatment is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article " Vision transformer assisting rheumatologists in screening for capillaroscopy changes in systemic sclerosis: an artificial intelligence model," published online, is presented.

Background: Imaging modality-based evidence is limited that compares the extent of coronary arterial repair after percutaneous coronary intervention between patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)., Methods: Between December 2018 and November 2021, a single-center, nonrandomized, observational study was conducted in 92 patients with SAP (n = 42) or ACS (n = 50), who were implanted with Orsiro sirolimus-eluting stent (O-SES) providing a hybrid (active and passive) coating and underwent 1-year follow-up by coronary angioscopy (CAS) after implantation. CAS assessed neointimal coverage (NIC), maximum yellow plaque (YP), and mural thrombus (MT)., Results: Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the SAP and ACS groups. The follow-up periods were comparable between the two groups (390.1 ± 69.9 vs. 390.6 ± 65.7 days, p = 0.99). The incidences of MT at 1 year after implantation were comparable between the two groups (11.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.92). The proportions of "Grade 1" in dominant NIC grades were highest in both groups, and the proportions of maximum YP grades and MT were comparable between the two groups., Conclusion: O-SES-induced coronary arterial repair at the site of stent implantation, irrespective of the types of coronary artery disease., (© 2023 The Authors. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Sato belongs to an endowed department funded by Medtronic and DVX. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Background: Microvascular changes play a decisive role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and occur early in the course of the disease. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) represents one of the main clinical expressions of the vascular changes in SSc, and the abnormal changes, especially capillary density and capillary width, are detectable at nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC). Aims: To investigate the differences in capillary nailfold changes in SSc patients with and without PAH and to estimate the early diagnostic value of NVC in SSc secondary PAH (SSc‐PAH). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and PUBMED was performed to identify published studies without language restrictions. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. The pooled specificity, sensitivity, positive likelihood rate, negative likelihood rate, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the curve and Q value were found using Meta‐Disc version 1.4 software packages. Finally, seven studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Results: The meta‐analysis demonstrated that the diagnostic odds ratio, area under the curve and Q value were 5.84 (95% confidence interval: 1.95–17.54), 0.79 and 0.72 respectively. It indicated that the microvascular changes detected at NVC were significant in SSc‐PAH and especially showed significantly lower capillary density and higher capillary width. Conclusion: The NVC may be a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of SSc‐PAH. It can detect the early microvascular changes associated with the risk of PAH and has a significant role in the early prediction of SSc‐PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility and potential utility of high-resolution angioscopy during common endovascular interventions. Methods: A 3.7-F scanning fiber angioscope was used in 6 Yorkshire pigs to image branch vessel selection, subintimal dissection, wire snaring, and stent placement. The angioscope was introduced in a coaxial fashion within a standard 6-F guide catheter. A clear field of view was provided using continuous heparinized saline flush through the outer guide catheter. The flush flow rate was manually adjusted to provide clear imaging depending on the diameter of the vessel and local blood flow conditions. Results: The scanning fiber angioscope was compatible with off-the-shelf catheters and devices commonly used in peripheral and aortic interventions. Video-rate, high-resolution images were obtained during all the interventions tested and provided information that was complementary to simultaneously acquired fluoroscopy. The scanning fiber angioscope was able to detect subintimal dissection and branch vessel stent coverage with higher resolution than fluoroscopy alone. Conclusion: Endoluminal imaging with the scanning fiber angioscope is feasible with current endovascular devices and provides additional relevant information that cannot be assessed fluoroscopically. The scanning fiber angioscope represents a novel optical platform on which new endovascular techniques may be developed that will minimize radiation and contrast doses for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives SSc patients are recognized as presenting an increased risk of altered bone mass. The aim of this study was to assess the bone quality, by trabecular bone score (TBS), in SSc patients in correlation with different levels of microvascular damage, as evaluated by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and to compare the results regarding bone quality with RA patients and healthy subjects (CNT). Methods Eighty-four SSc patients, 98 RA patients and 60 CNT, were studied. BMD (g/cm2) of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) was analysed by DXA scan. Lumbar spine bone quality was derived from each spine DXA examination using the TBS analysis. NVC patterns were analysed. Results A total of 56/84 SSc patients (66%) as well as 78/98 RA patients (80%) showed bone loss at DXA and BMD was found to be significantly lower than in the CNT (P < 0.001). Similarly, lumbar spine TBS was found to be significantly lower in SSc and RA patients than in CNT (P < 0.001). TBS values were found to be lower in SSc with a late NVC pattern, compared with the active or early pattern (late vs active and early pattern, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean lumbar spine TBS between SSc and RA patients (P = 0.238). Conclusion The data obtained showed significantly lower bone quality (lower TBS and BMD) in SSc and RA patients compared with CNT. The bone quality seemed lower in SSc patients with more altered microvasculature (late NVC pattern). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives I.v. iloprost (ILO) may be used in the treatment of refractory RP and digital ulcers. We aim to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of two different ILO regimens by power Doppler US (PDUS) and nailfold videocapillaroscopy. Methods In this 3-month single-centre pragmatic non-randomized trial, 96 SSc patients were included and stratified according to ILO treatment as: no ILO (group A), ILO once monthly (group B) and ILO for five consecutive days (group C). Resistivity index (RI), finger pulp blood flow and periungual vascularization by PDUS, and sum of capillaries apex width in 1 mm by nailfold videocapillaroscopy were evaluated. Results were adjusted for the average outdoor temperature at the place of residence. Results An acute ILO effect was observed for only finger pulp blood flow in groups B and C (P < 0.001 and P < 0.005, respectively). An acute effect was observed for RI and periungual vascularization only in group B. A progressive increase was observed for other parameters without statistical difference. ILO effects were not observed any longer before the following infusion. Some parameters (finger pulp blood flow in group B and RI in group C) showed a statistically higher increase the lower the outdoor temperature was. Conclusion ILO had an acute effect as assessed by PDUS, especially in group B. By contrast, an ILO chronic effect was not detectable before the following infusion in both treatment groups. More studies are needed to define how often ILO should be administered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare microvascular damages on nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) with macrovascular manifestations evaluated by hand power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and to assess the associations of these damages with the main digital manifestations of the disease: digital ulcers, acroosteolysis, and calcinosis.Methods: NFC, hand radiographs, and PDUS were systematically performed in 64 unselected SSc patients. PDUS evaluation with assessment of ulnar artery occlusion (UAO) and finger pulp blood flow (FPBF) were performed blinded for the results of radiographs and NFC.Results: UAO and pathologic FPBF were associated with severe capillary loss (<4 capillaries/mm) on NFC (odds ratio [OR] 4.04 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.23-13.29]; P < 0.05, and OR 3.38 [95% CI 1.03-11.05]; P < 0.05, respectively). Digital ulcer history was associated with UAO (OR 10.71 [95% CI 3.36-34.13]; P < 0.0001), pathologic FPBF (OR 7.67 [95% CI 2.52-23.28]; P < 0.0001), late NFC pattern (OR 6.33 [95% CI 2.03-19.68]; P = 0.001), and severe capillary loss (OR 8.52 [95% CI 2.15-33.78]; P = 0.001). Acroosteolysis was also associated with UAO (OR 15.83 [95% CI 3.95-63.54]; P < 0.0001), pathologic FPBF (OR 5.52 [95% CI 1.71-17.90]; P = 0.003), late NFC pattern (OR 6.86 [95% CI 2.18-21.53]; P = 0.001), and severe capillary loss (OR 7.20 [95% CI 2.16-24.02]; P = 0.001). Calcinosis on radiographs was associated with late NFC pattern (OR 5.41 [95% CI 1.82-16.12]; P = 0.002), severe capillary loss (OR 12.69 [95% CI 3.14-51.26]; P < 0.0001), and UAO (OR 3.19 [95% CI 1.14-8.92]; P = 0.025). Combination of UAO and severe capillary loss in the same patient was especially associated with digital ulcer history (OR 18.60 [95% CI 2.24-154.34]; P = 0.001) and acroosteolysis (OR 10.83 [95% CI 2.56-45.88]; P = 0.001).Conclusion: Microvascular damages evaluated by NFC and macrovascular features like UAO assessed by PDUS show concordant associations with the main digital manifestations of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at a high risk of the development of ischaemic digital ulcers (DUs) that can be complicated with infections, gangrene, and osteomyelitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of endostatin in scleroderma DUs.In total, 90 SSc patients were enrolled in this study. Serum endostatin levels and DU assessment were determined in all SSc patients. The serum levels of endostatin significantly increased with progression of capillaroscopic damage (P < .01). The serum levels of endostatin are significantly (P < .05) higher in SSc patients with new DUs than in SSc patients without new DUs (127 ± 31.1 ng/mL vs 116.3 ± 39.7 ng/mL). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated good accuracy of new DU prediction for the serum level of endostatin (0.70, P < .01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59‐0.81]). Using a cut‐off value of 116 ng/mL, the odds ratio was 2.609 (CI 1.075‐6.330, P < .05). The serum levels of endostatin are significantly (P < .01) higher in SSc patients with infected DUs than in SSc patients without infected DUs (139.2 [114.6‐340.91] ng/mL vs 117.5 [64.3‐163.9] ng/mL). Serum levels of endostatin are higher in patients with DUs, especially in those with infected DUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Semi‐quantitative wide‐field nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a simple technique with proven utility in the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Its role in prognosis, however, remains uncertain. Aim: To investigate the possible utility of NFC in predicting survival. Methods: Patients with SSc listed on the South Australian Scleroderma Register (SASR) with prior NFC performed at Flinders Medical Centre from 1991 to 2015 were included in this study. Baseline demographic data, diagnosis, scleroderma antibody status and mortality status were also collected for each patient. Results: The cohort consisted of 99 patients with limited cutaneous SSc, 30 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and 23 with an overlap scleroderma syndrome. Fifty‐six patients died during the period of study (censured end June 2015). Patients with diffuse scleroderma had significantly greater capillary dropout compared with limited and overlap scleroderma (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, both capillary dropout scores (log‐rank χ2 = 8.75, P = 0.003) and antibody status (log‐rank χ2 = 13.94, P = 0.003) were associated with mortality. ANOVA showed a significant association between antibody status and capillary dropout (P < 0.001). In Cox regression, adjustment for capillary dropout attenuated the impact of autoantibody group on survival. Conclusions: Nailfold capillary dropout was significantly associated with mortality and the severity of dropout attenuates survival dictated by antibody status. Together these observations support the hypothesis that capillary dropout is on the causal pathway between induction of scleroderma associated autoantibodies and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]