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P.330 Case of nailfold capillaroscopy in juvenile systemic sclerosis: from very early detection to treatment response monitoring

jsrd · 2026-06-05 · canonical JSON source

6 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Introduction Pediatric rheumatic diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of rare conditions. Juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is an exceptionally rare multisystem connective tissue disorder characterized by progressive vasculopathy and organ fibrosis, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.27 cases per million children. Following the incorporation of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) into the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc), this non-invasive technique has become a mainstream investigation tool. Microvascular involvement represents a fundamental pathophysiological hallmark of jSSc, and NFC abnormalities are present in 80-95% of cases. Recent EUSTAR database analysis revealed that jSSc demonstrates a higher prevalence of scleroderma pattern compared to adult-onset disease (93.3% vs 88%). The combination of Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) with NFC changes has emerged as the optimal screening tool for jSSc risk assessment, particularly crucial given the concept of very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) and the potential for significant organ complications to develop in subclinical stages.Material and Methods A 16-year-old previously healthy male was referred for evaluation of RP of 3 months’ duration. Physical examination revealed bilateral hand swelling. Laboratory investigations showed positive antinuclear antibody (titer: 1:640) and anticentromere antibody, with negative anti-Scl-70 antibodies. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) was 3, consistent with localized jSSc. Initial NFC examination demonstrated characteristic early scleroderma pattern changes including dilated megacapillaries and decreased capillary blood flow, reflecting typical jSSc microvascular involvement. At 3-month follow-up, concurrent with RP deterioration, a new digital ulcer (DU) developed. Repeat NFC assessment revealed disease progression with emerging mild avascularity, increased capillary tortuosity, and persistent megacapillaries, representing transition to an active scleroderma pattern. Remarkably, at 5-month follow-up, both RP and DU had completely resolved. Corresponding NFC improvements were observed, with only mild capillary dilatation remaining and restoration of distinct capillary loop margins with clear blood flow, demonstrating the dynamic nature of microvascular changes in jSSc.Results This case illustrates the critical diagnostic and monitoring value of NFC in jSSc management.Conclusions Given the rarity of jSSc and limited available diagnostic tools, NFC represents an invaluable non-invasive biomarker for early diagnosis, disease activity assessment, and therapeutic monitoring. As the field moves toward more personalized medicine approaches and earlier intervention strategies, standardized implementation of NFC in pediatric rheumatology practice becomes increasingly essential for optimizing patient outcomes in this challenging rare disease.