Capillaroscopy stands out in rheumatology and immunology as a non-invasive, reproducible, and cost-effective method for directly assessing microcirculation, particularly at the nailfold. Over recent decades, it has become essential in diagnosing, prognosticating, and monitoring a range of autoimmune, rheumatological, and vascular conditions, most notably Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis, both of which exhibit distinct immunological underpinnings. While technological enhancements have improved capillaroscopy’s accuracy and clinical value, ongoing debates persist regarding the standardization of image acquisition, interpretation, and its integration with other biomarkers, especially in immune-mediated diseases.
This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the immunological dimensions of capillaroscopy by welcoming original research, reviews, and clinical cases that rigorously expand knowledge about the fundamentals, immunological mechanisms, clinical applications and outcomes, and technological innovations in capillaroscopy, thus microcirculatory changes within immunological contexts.
Contributions are invited that address:
- The standardization of the technique and interpretation of capillaroscopy findings and immunological outcomes. - The correlation between microvascular patterns and clinical, immunological, and imaging manifestations, as well as its predictive value in immune-mediated disease progression and target organ damage. - The use of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) as a non-invasive technique that allows visualization of the microvascular abnormalities associated with autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune connective tissue disorders (ACTDs), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and dermatomyositis. - The topic also seeks to explore new frontiers in capillaroscopy, including the use of digital tools, automated analysis, and artificial intelligence - Its application in special immune-related populations (pediatrics, geriatrics), and its emerging role in others pathologies.
Submissions must have a central immunological focus, critically addressing how immunological mechanisms, biomarkers, or interventions relate to capillaroscopic findings. Manuscripts that do not investigate immunological aspects will be considered outside the scope of this journal.
By integrating basic, clinical, and translational research, this Research Topic aims to offer an updated and multidisciplinary view of capillaroscopy, promoting its correct use in clinical practice and stimulating future lines of research in the study of microcirculation and its impact on autoimmune disorders and systemic inflammatory diseases.
* Studies solely focused on the diagnostic method, without linking it to immunological mechanisms or conclusions, fall outside the scope of the journal
* Statement of transparency and integrity: Dr. Gracia is the cofounder of the software Capillary.io. No other conflicts of interests declared.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Conceptual Analysis
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
