Summary
Background. One of the main aspects in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis is small vessel vasculopathy. Capillary damage adversely affects the quality of life by causing pain, impairment of hand function and ulceration of the fingertips, which can lead to gangrene, amputations and disability. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation modifies fibrosis, activation of the autoimmune system and stabilises the function of the internal organs, but its effect on microcirculation and capillary regeneration is still largely unknown.
Clinical case. We report a clinical case of a patient with systemic sclerosis who, due to rapidly progressive lung and skin damage and positive immunological markers (Scl- 70), was treated with autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation. After transplantation, the microcirculation significantly improved, with a marked increase in capillary density, the disappearance of the wide avascular areas, the absence of giant capillaries, microhaemorrhages and normalisation of capillary architecture. The capillaroscopic pattern changed from late to normal. Also possitive effect on skin fibrosis and fingertip ulcers was noticed.
Conclusions. This clinical case and literature data show, that autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has a significant beneficial effect on microcirculation, capillary morphology and regeneration.
