Thermographic Abnormalities are Associated with Future Digital Ulcers and Death in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective. Capillaroscopic abnormalities are predictive of future digital ulcers (DU). Our aim was to investigate whether functional digital vascular disease (thermographically assessed) is also associated with future DU. Methods. A retrospective case note review of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) undergoing thermography and who were followed for up to about 3 years. Results. There were 138 patients (equal mixture of normal/abnormal thermography). Patients with abnormal thermography were more likely to develop DU (clinician-observed and/or patient-reported, OR 2.84, p = 0.021), including multiple episodes, and more likely to die (OR 5.42, p = 0.050). Conclusion. Abnormal thermography is associated with DU and disease severity in patients with SSc.