Noninvasive assessment of cutaneous vascular function in vivo using capillaroscopy, plethysmography and laser-Doppler instruments: Its strengths and weaknesses

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Yvonne-Tee, Get Bee^; | Rasool, Aida Hanum Ghulam | Halim, Ahmad Sukari | Rahman, Abdul Rashid Abdul

Affiliations: Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia | Reconstructive Sciences Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia | Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia

Note: [] Corresponding author: Get Bee Yvonne-Tee, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Tel.: +60 9 766 4187; Fax: +60 9 765 3370; E-mail: yvonnetee623@yahoo.com.

Abstract: Given that functional abnormalities of the microcirculation are one of the primary abnormalities in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, various noninvasive clinical tools have been developed recently to assess the microvascular function, particularly at the skin. The common techniques used to assess cutaneous microvascular function in vivo include capillaroscopy, venous occlusion plethysmography, and laser-Doppler instruments (laser-Doppler fluximetry and laser-Doppler imaging). These noninvasive techniques can be used as an early measure of functional abnormalities within the microvascular tree, predominantly in population at high risk for cardiovascular events. This review discusses some underlying application principle of these techniques, including its clinical significance, method reproducibility and limitations.

Keywords: Clinical significance, in vivo, limitation, noninvasive, reproducibility, skin, technique

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 457-473, 2006