Nailfold capillaroscopic findings in a semi-professional volleyball player

Abstract

Volleyball players are exposed to the possibility of several well recognized injuries, among which microvascular abnormalities are the less described and studied, although they could diminish their ability and performance. Capillaroscopy is a simple, non-invasive method to diagnose vascular abnormalities in athletes suffering for the consequences of repeated application of pressure by local trauma on the fingertips. The detected capillaroscopic picture will be the base for the follow-up and will indicate the possible need for further investigations aimed at excluding other occulted conditions. At our knowledge, this is the first report describing and documenting the related microvascular abnormalities in a volleyball player. This case emphasizes the fact that volleyball players among other athletes, whose hands are exposed to repeated fingertips trauma may suffer from microcirculation damage, for which reason they should be able to access an effective health surveillance program able to detect the first signs and offer the most appropriate clinical support.