Nailfold capillaroscopy: a useful instrument for early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Abstract

Introduction: Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune disease affecting small bile ducts. PBC is often associated with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). SSc prevalence is about 5–12% in PBC patients and diagnosis is often delayed due to lack of specific recommendations. Aim: We assessed the utility of Nailfold Capillaroscopy (NC) in anticipating SSc diagnosis in PBC patients.