Microvascular pathology in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: from capillaroscopy to end-organ damage

Microvascular dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of a wide range of rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. Capillaroscopy, particularly nailfold videocapillaroscopy, has become an established, non-invasive tool for detecting early microvascular abnormalities in connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Beyond these early changes, microvascular injury can progress to affect the kidneys, lungs, skin, and other organs, contributing to significant morbidity. Despite growing clinical use of capillaroscopy and related imaging techniques, questions remain about how best to standardize acquisition protocols, interpret findings consistently, and translate microvascular findings into reliable biomarkers of disease activity and progression.This Research Topic aims to bring together the full spectrum of microvascular pathology in rheumatic and autoimmune disease, from the earliest capillaroscopic changes to advanced end-organ microcirculatory damage. The goal is to advance early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and targeted intervention by consolidating current evidence on how microvascular dysfunction develops, how it can be reliably measured, and how it relates to clinical outcomes. We are particularly interested in work that helps standardize diagnostic approaches, identifies biomarkers that can be adopted into routine practice, and clarifies which microvascular findings carry prognostic value for end-organ involvement. By connecting imaging, biomarker, and therapeutic perspectives in one collection, we hope to support clinicians and researchers in translating microvascular findings into better patient care.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Case Reports addressing: capillaroscopy and non-invasive microvascular imaging techniques and protocols; biomarkers of microvascular injury and repair; prognostic indicators linking microvascular findings to end-organ damage; novel diagnostic and disease-monitoring approaches; and therapeutic strategies targeting microvascular dysfunction in autoimmune and rheumatic conditions, including systemic sclerosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and related connective tissue diseases. Studies examining acquisition methodology (e.g., number of nailfolds or digits assessed) and its impact on diagnostic yield are also encouraged. Topic editors: Alexandru Caraba, Deiana Sorina Roman, Gianluca Moroncini, Devis Benfaremo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82542/microvascular-pathology-in-rheumatic-and-autoimmune-diseases-from-capillaroscopy-to-end-organ-damage