Some Features of Angiographic Findings in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Scleroderma

SummaryAngiographic findings in some 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 6 scleroderma patients were analysed. Characteristic differences were found in the injury of the digital arteries. In RA, the narrowings and interruptions of the arteries are compensated for by a well developed collateral circulation. In addition, rich pathological capillary network is found adjacent to the affected parts of the joints. In SD, a general tapering off and disappearance of the arteries was observed. There were no signs of a compensatory collateral circulation. Neither were there any hypervascularized areas in evidence. Further studies to clarify the basic nature of the processes are suggested.