Vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

In vasculitis and RA, microvascular changes can be seen, especially in active phases.

Relevant diagnoses:

ANCA-associated vasculitis, RA with vasculitis, cryoglobulinaemia.

What is seen (findings in brief)

 Non-specific: microhaemorrhages, dilatations, sometimes capillary rarefaction; the patterns usually fall short of the SSc ‘signature’.

How often to have a check-up

 During active disease or a change in treatment: 3–6 months; in remission: 12 months.

Summary

Capillaroscopy can signal an active microvascular component and help decide on further investigations.