In a total of 100 healthy subjects (36 males, 64 females) aged between 5 and 58 years, capillary microscopy of the nailfold was performed in all the fingers of both hands. The aim of this study was to determine whether capillary abnormalities, hitherto regarded as pathological, were to be found, and if so, to establish their frequency and nature. Capillary branchings – on average 4-5/person – were seen in 78% of the subjects investigated, and proved to be most common in digits IV and V of both hands. Of the subjects investigated, 94% showed meanderings, 64% tortuous loops, 25% hemorrhagic extravasations, and 19% apical dilatations of the capillaries. Only a single case of a giant loop was seen. Neither avascular fields, stasis nor reversion of blood flow were seen. Maricq’s venule index was increased in 3 subjects. These findings clearly indicate that the significance of deviating capillary patterns need to be reconsidered, for branchings or hemorrhagic extravasations can certainly be found in healthy subjects.

Keywords:
Capillary microscopy, vital, Nailfold, Capillary morphology, Capillary deviations
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.