**7. Capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis**

Three capillaroscopic patterns have been described in SSc: early, active, and late [12].

SSc-early pattern: it is characterized by the presence of few giant capillaries, few capillary hemorrhages, relatively well-preserved capillary distribution, and no evident loss of capillaries (**Figure 4**).

SSc-active pattern: in active pattern frequent giant capillaries are seen with frequent capillary hemorrhages, moderate loss of capillaries, mild disorganization of the capillary architecture, and mild ramified capillaries (**Figure 5**).

SSc-late pattern: in late pattern irregular enlargement of the capillaries with few or absent giant capillaries and hemorrhages are seen. There is severe loss of capillaries with extensive avascular areas, disorganization of the normal capillary array, and ramified capillaries (**Figure 6**).
