Nailfold capillaroscopy: A cost effective practical technique using digital microscope

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a simple and non-invasive technique for the analysis of microvascular abnormalities seen in various systemic connective tissue diseases (SCTD), especially in systemic sclerosis (SSc) group of disorders. The techniques for NFC have evolved over several decades and nailfold video capillaroscope (NVC) is considered the gold standard tool for NFC. Nailfold video capillaroscope is an expensive equipment and usually not available in most developing countries. Other instruments that have been utilised for NFC are a magnifying lens, an ophthalmoscope, a dermatoscope, a stereomicroscope and a wide field microscope. Faced by shortcomings of multiple instruments, we have innovated a cost effective and simple technique for NFC using a handheld and universal serial bus (USB) digital microscope. This article elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages of various instruments and techniques for NFC, with emphasis on our innovative techniques. We recommend USB digital microscope for NFC in clinical practice especially for evaluation of scleroderma-related disorders.