Nailfold videocapillaroscopy abnormalities and vascular manifestations in Behçet's syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate microcirculation abnormalities and their clinical association in patients with BS, especially with vascular manifestations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) to evaluate the microcirculation in patients with BS.

Results: A total of 65 patients were included in the study. Thirty-four (52.3%) were men, and 84.6% were European Caucasian. Vascular involvement was present in 24 (36.9%) patients. Qualitative abnormalities in NVC were observed in 47.7% of patients. The most frequent were tortuous and branched capillaries (21.5%), followed by microhaemorrhage (12.3%), enlarged capillary (7.7%) and giant capillary (3.1%). We found a significant relationship between the presence of tortuous and branched capillaries and previous superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) (p=0.025). The presence of ≥2 qualitative abnormalities in NVC was associated with vascular involvement (p=0.031), mainly with venous thrombotic events (p=0.024) and particularly with ST (p=0.003). No specific Cutolo's pattern was observed. No association was observed between NVC and Raynaud's phenomenon or ANA, although patients with positive ANA presented more frequent non-specific capillaroscopic abnormalities (p=0.003).

Conclusions: The presence of ≥2 qualitative abnormalities in NVC is associated with Vasculo-Behçet. NVC might be a potential tool for early detection of patients at risk of vascular events.