Angiographic findings in mixed connective tissue disease. Correlation with fingernail capillary photomicroscopy and digital photoplethysmography findings

Abstract

Thirteen patients with mixed connective tissue disease underwent hand angiography to assess the degree of vascular abnormalities and their correlation to nailfold capillary microscopy and digital photoplethysmography findings. Organic obstruction was found in 60% of ulnar arteries, 87% of superficial arches, 13% of deep arches, and 65% of digital arteries. Fingernail capillary abnormalities were seen in 90% of patients. Normal photoplethysmography results had a predictive value of 91% for identifying digits without bilateral occlusions. These findings indicate a hitherto unrecognized propensity for disease of both small and medium-sized vessels in patients with mixed connective tissue disease.