Using capillaroscopy to help diagnose diffuse interstitial pneumonias

Impact of Capillaroscopy in the Investigation of Diffuse Interstitial Pneumonias

We will test whether adding nailfold capillaroscopy to standard care helps doctors diagnose connective-tissue–related interstitial lung disease faster in adults newly diagnosed with pulmonary interstitial disease.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Bordeaux)
• Trial ID: NCT07283081 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional project adds nailfold capillaroscopy to the usual diagnostic workup for adults with a recent diagnosis of pulmonary interstitial disease to describe capillaroscopic features in this population. Eligible patients undergo a chart review and any additional tests needed to determine whether their lung disease is linked to a connective tissue disorder, with most diagnostic work completed within three months. Capillaroscopy is a non‑invasive, reproducible test used to detect microvascular changes commonly seen in scleroderma spectrum diseases, and the study will record how often it identifies abnormalities in newly diagnosed patients. The goal is to see whether systematic use of capillaroscopy increases early identification of PID related to connective tissue disease and shortens time to appropriate treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with a new diagnosis of pulmonary interstitial disease within the past six months who have recent chest CT, lung function tests, and basic immunologic screening, are French-speaking, covered by social security, and can give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who have already had a capillaroscopy, who already have a diagnosed or highly suspected connective tissue disease at baseline, or who have already started treatment for pulmonary involvement are unlikely to benefit from inclusion.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shorten time to the correct diagnosis for patients with autoimmune-related interstitial lung disease and allow earlier targeted treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Observational studies have reported more capillaroscopic abnormalities in autoimmune-associated interstitial lung disease, but there are no large prospective studies establishing capillaroscopy as a routine screening tool in newly diagnosed PID.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female over 18 years of age;
* Have received a new diagnosis of PID within the last six months, confirmed by a pulmonologist;
* Have undergone some specific tests within the last six months (Chest CT scan, respiratory function tests (plethysmography and CO transfer capacity measurement, immunological assessment including: screening for FAN, FR, and anti-CCP);
* French-speaking patient with no comprehension difficulties;
* Person affiliated with or beneficiary of a social security system;
* Free, informed, and written consent signed by the participant and the investigator (no later than the day of inclusion and before any examination required by the research).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have previously undergone a capillaroscopy, regardless of the reason;
* Have a diagnosis or high suspicion of connective tissue disease based on initial clinical and paraclinical evaluation;
* Have already started one of the following treatments for pulmonary involvement: systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, antifibrotic therapy;
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
* Patients covered by Articles L 1121-5 to L 1121-8 (persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision, minors, adults subject to legal protection measures, or persons unable to give their consent).

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux

• CHU de Bordeaux - service de rhumatologie — Bordeaux, France (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marie-Elise TRUCHETET, MD, PhD — University Hospital, Bordeaux
• Study coordinator: Marie-Elise TRUCHETET, MD, PhD

Conditions Interstitial Lung Disease; Connective Tissue Diseases; Pulmonary Interstitial Disease; capillaroscopy; Connective Tissue Disease; diagnosis