Clinical Cases
Real-world case studies with capillaroscopic images, interpretation, and clinical correlation.
Case-Based Learning
Clinical cases demonstrate practical application of capillaroscopic interpretation in real-world scenarios. Each case includes patient presentation, capillaroscopic images, systematic interpretation, and clinical discussion.
Cases are organized by diagnosis and pattern type, allowing targeted study of specific conditions and presentations.
Progressive Systemic Sclerosis with Digital Ulcers
52-year-old female with progressive Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Multiple giant capillaries
- • Frequent hemorrhages
- • Moderate capillary loss
Early Systemic Sclerosis Detection
38-year-old with recent onset Raynaud's and positive ANA.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Few giant capillaries
- • Preserved capillary density
- • Minimal hemorrhages
Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon
28-year-old with isolated Raynaud's symptoms for 5 years.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Normal capillary density
- • Normal morphology
- • No specific abnormalities
Dermatomyositis with Microvascular Involvement
45-year-old with muscle weakness and characteristic skin changes.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Dilated capillaries
- • Bushy capillaries
- • Hemorrhages present
Advanced Scleroderma with Avascular Areas
60-year-old with longstanding SSc and pulmonary hypertension.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Severe capillary loss
- • Large avascular areas
- • Neoangiogenesis
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
42-year-old with features of multiple connective tissue diseases.
Key Capillaroscopic Findings:
- • Giant capillaries present
- • Variable morphology
- • Moderate changes
Systematic Case Analysis
1. Clinical Context
Review patient demographics, symptoms, laboratory findings, and clinical examination.
2. Image Quality Assessment
Evaluate technical quality: focus, magnification, field of view, and proper nail fold selection.
3. Systematic Pattern Recognition
Identify capillary density, morphology, giant capillaries, hemorrhages, and avascular areas.
4. Pattern Classification
Classify as normal, non-specific abnormalities, or specific scleroderma pattern (early/active/late).
5. Clinical Correlation
Integrate capillaroscopic findings with clinical presentation for diagnostic synthesis.