Abnormality detection in nailfold capillary images using deep learning with EfficientNet and cascade transfer learning.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy (NFC) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect microvascular changes in nailfold. Chronic pathological changes associated with a wide range of systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and rheumatological conditions like systemic sclerosis, can manifest as observable microvascular changes in the terminal capillaries of nailfolds. The current gold standard relies on experts performing manual evaluations, which is an exhaustive time-intensive, and subjective process.