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Table 4 Normal morphological parameters on capillaroscopy

From: Position article and guidelines 2018 recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the indication, interpretation and performance of nailfold capillaroscopy

Capillaroscopic parameters

Normal pattern

Skin transparency and visibility

Capillaries are clearly visible

Pericapillary edema

Absent

Subpapillary venous plexus

Visible in > 30% of healthy individuals

Capillary architecture

Capillaries perpendicular to the nail edge

Capillary morphology

Inverted “U” shape

Capillary loop diameter

< 20 μm

Tortuosity

Normally absent

Dilated and giant loops

Absent

Neoangiogenesis

Absent

Microhemorrhages

Normally absent

Capillary density

7 to 12 capillaries/mm

Avascular areas

Absent

Capillary blood flow

Dynamic, without stasis

  1. Adapted from Chojnowski et al., 201659 (D)