Videocapillaroscopic Alterations in Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common hair disorder observed in dermatological practice; however, the exact mechanisms that lead to the hair loss are still unknown. Disturbances in the blood supply of hair follicles may be one of the elements in the complex pathogenesis of AA. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a noninvasive technique that allows analysis of skin microcirculation in vivo. The aim of the study was the videocapillaroscopic assessment of skin microcirculation in AA patients. The study included 44 patients with patchy alopecia areata, 27 with alopecia universalis or totalis, and 40 healthy volunteers. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was performed in all participants according to a standard protocol. Obtained images were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Two types of videocapillaroscopic images were distinguished in the study. Abnormal videocapillaroscopic images were found in 42% of patients. Tortuous and branching capillaries (P = 0.013, P = 0.001), decreased density of capillaries (P = 0.009), enlargement of the efferent limb (P < 0.017), or top part of the loop (P = 0.009) were observed significantly more often than in the control group. Only some patients with AA presented with microvascular abnormalities characterised by altered videocapillaroscopic images. More studies, including larger group of patients with AA, are required to determine the role of observed videocapillaroscopic alterations in AA.

Study of the efficacy of carboxytherapy in alopecia

“…The pathogenesis of hair loss in AA or AGA is complex and caused by a combination of factors, including diminished vascular support to the affected scalp tissue . As carboxytherapy improves circulation at the injection site, it seemed interesting to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the treatment of AA and AGA.…”

Nailfold capillaroscopy alterations in androgenetic alopecia: A cross-sectional study

“…Nailfold capillaroscopy is mainly used for rheumatic conditions; 13 it may also be used in some non-rheumatic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, psoriasis and alopecia areata. [14][15][16][17] Earlier studies have found that morphologically abnormal nailfold capillaries are not rare in healthy individuals. 18,19 Tortuous and crossed capillaries (also known as meandering capillaries) were common in the present work, and no significant difference between the androgenetic alopecia group and healthy controls was found.…”

Capillaroscopic patterns in patients with systemic sclerosis, psoriasis and alopecia and their correlations with serum concentrations of several angiogenic markers

“…The most common was the normal pattern (similar to healthy population), present in 41 patients. In the abnormal pattern, which was recognized in 30 subjects, at least 2 NVC alterations in minimum 2 fingers were observed [6]. The NVC images were varied.…”

“…The NVC images were varied. There was no statistical correlation between the severity of AA and the presence of abnormal NVC images p=0.233 [6]. Moreover, the disease activity did not correlate with NVC alterations (p=0.223) (unpublished data).…”