Automated structure and flow measurement - a promising tool in nailfold capillaroscopy.

摘要: Abstract Objectives Despite increasing interest in nailfold capillaroscopy, objective measures of capillary structure and blood flow have been little studied. We aimed to test the hypothesis that structural measurements, flow, a combined measure predictive power separate patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) from those primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) healthy controls (HC). Methods 50 SSc, 12 PRP, HC were imaged using novel capillaroscopy system generates high-quality images provides fully-automated measurements (capillary density, mean width, maximum shape score, derangement velocity). Population statistics summarise differences between three groups. Areas under ROC curves (A Z ) used classification accuracy when assigning individuals SSc HC/PRP Results Statistically significant group means found both for all e.g. width (μm) ± SE: 15.0 ± 0.71, 12.7 ± 0.74 11.8 ± 0.23 PRP respectively. Combining five gave better  = 0.919 ± 0.026) than best single measurement (mean A  = 0.874 ± 0.043), whilst adding further improved  = 0.930 ± 0.024). Conclusions Structural are able distinguish PRP/HC. Importantly, these hold promise as clinical trial outcome treatments at improving finger or microvascular remodelling.