[Capillaroscopy. An update]

Abstract

This article reports relevant innovations 2 years after the publication of the German consensus on nomenclature and procedure of capillaroscopy in this journal. Standardization: certified training courses in capillaroscopy under the patronage of the Rheumatism Academy have reached over 300 rheumatologists nationwide. Trained investigators clearly show greater agreement on findings than untrained experts even with years of experience. Normal findings were detected using the published terminology in a large cohort. Scientific application: the number of publications on capillaroscopy has risen significantly, prospective studies of smaller cohorts and the comparison to other methods regarding systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's disease and also miscellaneous diseases. A large prospective multicenter European study on the capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI) was conducted with German participation. The role as a screening tool has been confirmed by the majority of the studies. For systemic lupus erythematosus it is also increasingly being used in the diagnostic work-up as an additional investigation. Practical application: capillaroscopy has a solid and indispensable role in the diagnostic algorithm of Raynaud's disease and early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Videocapillaroscopy and simple USB microscopes are increasingly being used besides traditional light microscopy.