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   MeshID        = D011928 |
   MeshID        = D011928 |
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'''Editors-In-Chief:''' Asghar Fakhri, M.D., Duane S. Pinto, M.D. and C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.
'''Editors-In-Chief:''' Asghar Fakhri, M.D., Duane S. Pinto, M.D. and C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.


== Overview ==


'''Raynaud's phenomenon''' (RAY-noz), in [[medicine]], is a [[vasospasm|vasospastic]] disorder causing discoloration of the [[finger]]s, [[toe]]s, and occasionally other extremities, named for French physician [[Maurice Raynaud]] (1834 - 1881). The cause of the phenomenon is unknown, but [[emotional stress]] and cold are classically triggers, and the discoloration follows a characteristic pattern in time: white, blue and red. It comprises both '''[[Raynaud's disease]]''' (''primary Raynaud's''), where the phenomenon is [[idiopathic]], and '''Raynaud's syndrome''' (''secondary Raynaud's''), where it is secondary to something else.


==Overview==
== Incidence ==
'''Raynaud's phenomenon''' (RAY-noz), in [[medicine]], is a [[vasospasm|vasospastic]] disorder causing discoloration of the [[finger]]s, [[toe]]s, and occasionally other extremities, named for French physician [[Maurice Raynaud]] (1834 - 1881). The cause of the phenomenon is unknown, but [[emotional stress]] and cold are classically triggers, and the discoloration follows a characteristic pattern in time: white, blue and red. It comprises both '''[[Raynaud's disease]]''' (''primary Raynaud's''), where the phenomenon is [[idiopathic]], and '''Raynaud's syndrome''' (''secondary Raynaud's''), where it is secondary to something else.


==Incidence==
The phenomenon is more common in women than men, with the [[Framingham Heart Study|Framingham Study]] finding that 5.8% of men and 9.6% of women suffered from it.
The phenomenon is more common in women than men, with the [[Framingham Heart Study|Framingham Study]] finding that 5.8% of men and 9.6% of women suffered from it.


==Epidemiology==
== Epidemiology ==
 
There is a familial component to primary Raynaud's, and presentation is typically before 30. [[tobacco smoking|Smoking]] worsens frequency and intensity of attacks, and there is a hormonal component. Sufferers are more likely to have [[migraine]] and [[Angina pectoris|angina]] than controls.
There is a familial component to primary Raynaud's, and presentation is typically before 30. [[tobacco smoking|Smoking]] worsens frequency and intensity of attacks, and there is a hormonal component. Sufferers are more likely to have [[migraine]] and [[Angina pectoris|angina]] than controls.


==Associated Conditions==
== Associated Conditions ==
 
Secondary Raynaud's has a number of associations:
Secondary Raynaud's has a number of associations:
*[[Connective tissue disorder]]s:
 
**[[scleroderma]]
* [[Connective tissue disorder]]s:
**[[Systemic lupus erythematosus]]
** [[scleroderma]]
**[[rheumatoid arthritis]]
** [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]]
**[[Sjögren's syndrome]]
** [[rheumatoid arthritis]]
**[[dermatomyositis]]
** [[Sjögren's syndrome]]
**[[polymyositis]]
** [[dermatomyositis]]
*[[Eating disorder]]s
** [[polymyositis]]
**[[Anorexia Nervosa]]
* [[Eating disorder]]s
*Obstructive disorders
** [[Anorexia Nervosa]]
**[[atherosclerosis]]
* Obstructive disorders
**[[Buerger's disease]]
** [[atherosclerosis]]
**[[aneurysm|subclavian aneurysm]]s
** [[Buerger's disease]]
**[[thoracic outlet syndrome]]
** [[aneurysm|subclavian aneurysm]]s
*[[Drugs]]
** [[thoracic outlet syndrome]]
**[[Beta-blocker]]s
* [[Drugs]]
**[[cytotoxic drug]]s - particularly [[chemotherapy|chemotherapeutics]] and most especially [[bleomycin]]
** [[Beta-blocker]]s
**[[cyclosporin]]
** [[cytotoxic drug]]s - particularly [[chemotherapy|chemotherapeutics]] and most especially [[bleomycin]]
**[[ergotamine]]
** [[cyclosporin]]
**[[sulfasalazine]]
** [[ergotamine]]
*Occupation
** [[sulfasalazine]]
**jobs involving vibration, particularly drilling
* Occupation
**exposure to [[vinyl chloride]]
** jobs involving vibration, particularly drilling
**exposure to the cold (e.g. by working packing frozen food)
** exposure to [[vinyl chloride]]
*Others
** exposure to the cold (e.g. by working packing frozen food)
**[[hypothyroidism]]
* Others
**[[cryoglobulinemia]]
** [[hypothyroidism]]
**[[Cancer|malignancy]]
** [[cryoglobulinemia]]
**[[Complex regional pain syndrome|reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
** [[Cancer|malignancy]]
**[[Acromegaly]]
** [[Complex regional pain syndrome|reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
**After blunt [[trauma]]s
** [[Acromegaly]]
**After surgery
** After blunt [[trauma]]s
**[[Arsenic]]
** After surgery
**[[Arterenol]]
** [[Arsenic]]
**[[Arteriosclerosis Obliterans]]
** [[Arterenol]]
**[[Arteriovenous Fistula]]
** [[Arteriosclerosis Obliterans]]
**Arthrosis of cervical spine
** [[Arteriovenous Fistula]]
**[[Axillary vein]] [[thrombosis]]
** Arthrosis of cervical spine
**[[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
** [[Axillary vein]] [[thrombosis]]
**[[Cervical rib]]
** [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
**[[Cirrhosis]]
** [[Cervical rib]]
**[[Cold agglutinins]]
** [[Cirrhosis]]
**[[Costoclavicular Syndrome]]
** [[Cold agglutinins]]
**[[Clonidine]]
** [[Costoclavicular Syndrome]]
**[[Cryoglobulinemia]]
** [[Clonidine]]
**[[Cytotoxic drug]]s
** [[Cryoglobulinemia]]
**[[Dermatomtositis]]
** [[Cytotoxic drug]]s
**[[Dysproteinemia]]
** [[Dermatomtositis]]
**[[Ergotamine]]
** [[Dysproteinemia]]
**[[Heavy metals]]
** [[Ergotamine]]
**[[Hemiplegia]]
** [[Heavy metals]]
**[[Hormonal contraceptives]]
** [[Hemiplegia]]
**[[Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome]]
** [[Hormonal contraceptives]]
**[[Lead]]
** [[Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome]]
**[[Leukemia]]
** [[Lead]]
**[[Lupus Erythematosus]]
** [[Leukemia]]
**[[Mixed connective tissue disorders]]
** [[Lupus Erythematosus]]
**[[Multiple Sclerosis]]
** [[Mixed connective tissue disorders]]
**[[Neoplasm]]
** [[Multiple Sclerosis]]
**[[Peripheral Neuropathy]]
** [[Neoplasm]]
**[[Peripheral emboli]]
** [[Peripheral Neuropathy]]
**[[Poiliomyelitis]]
** [[Peripheral emboli]]
**[[Polyarteritis Nosdosa]]
** [[Poiliomyelitis]]
**[[Polycythemia Vera]]
** [[Polyarteritis Nosdosa]]
**[[reflex sympathetic dystrophy|Post-traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
** [[Polycythemia Vera]]
**[[Propranolol]]
** [[reflex sympathetic dystrophy|Post-traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
**[[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
** [[Propranolol]]
**[[Scalenus-anticus Syndrome]]
** [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
**[[Scleroderma]]
** [[Scalenus-anticus Syndrome]]
**[[Scoliosis]]
** [[Scleroderma]]
**[[Sjorgen's Syndrome]]
** [[Scoliosis]]
**[[Spinal tumor]]
** [[Sjorgen's Syndrome]]
**[[Sulfasalazine]]
** [[Spinal tumor]]
**[[Syringomyelia]]
** [[Sulfasalazine]]
**[[Thallium]]
** [[Syringomyelia]]
**[[Thromboangitis obliterans]]
** [[Thallium]]
**[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]]
** [[Thromboangitis obliterans]]
**Vibrations
** [[Thoracic outlet syndrome]]
**[[Wegener's Granulomatosis]]
** Vibrations
** [[Wegener's Granulomatosis]]
 
It is important to realise that Raynaud's can ''herald'' these diseases by periods of more than 20 years in some cases, making it effectively their first presenting symptom. This can be the case in the [[CREST syndrome]], of which Raynaud's is a part.
It is important to realise that Raynaud's can ''herald'' these diseases by periods of more than 20 years in some cases, making it effectively their first presenting symptom. This can be the case in the [[CREST syndrome]], of which Raynaud's is a part.


== Diagnosis ==  
== Diagnosis ==
 
=== Physical Examination ===
=== Physical Examination ===


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</div>
</div>


== Complete List of Differential Diagnoses==
== Complete List of Differential Diagnoses ==


In alphabetical order <ref>Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:144</ref><ref>Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:310-311</ref>
In alphabetical order <ref>Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:144</ref><ref>Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:310-311</ref>


*[[Acromegaly]]
* [[Acromegaly]]
*After blunt traumas
* After blunt traumas
*After surgery
* After surgery
*[[Arsenic]]
* [[Arsenic]]
*[[Arterenol]]
* [[Arterenol]]
*[[Arteriosclerosis Obliterans]]
* [[Arteriosclerosis Obliterans]]
*[[Arteriovenous Fistula]]
* [[Arteriovenous Fistula]]
*[[Arthrosis of cervical spine]]
* [[Arthrosis of cervical spine]]
*[[Axillary vein thrombosis]]
* [[Axillary vein thrombosis]]
*[[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]]
*[[Cervical rib]]
* [[Cervical rib]]
*[[Cirrhosis]]
* [[Cirrhosis]]
*[[Cold agglutinins]]
* [[Cold agglutinins]]
*[[Costoclavicular Syndrome]]
* [[Costoclavicular Syndrome]]
*[[Clonidine]]
* [[Clonidine]]
*[[Cryoglobulinemia]]
* [[Cryoglobulinemia]]
*[[Cytotoxic drug]]s
* [[Cytotoxic drug]]s
*[[Dermatomtositis]]
* [[Dermatomtositis]]
*[[Dysproteinemia]]
* [[Dysproteinemia]]
*[[Ergotamine]]
* [[Ergotamine]]
*[[Heavy metal]]s
* [[Heavy metal]]s
*[[Hemiplegia]]
* [[Hemiplegia]]
*[[Hormonal contraceptives]]
* [[Hormonal contraceptives]]
*[[Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome]]
* [[Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome]]
*[[Lead]]
* [[Lead]]
*[[Leukemia]]
* [[Leukemia]]
*[[Lupus Erythematosus]]
* [[Lupus Erythematosus]]
*[[Mixed connective tissue disorder]]s
* [[Mixed connective tissue disorder]]s
*[[Multiple Sclerosis]]
* [[Multiple Sclerosis]]
*[[Neoplasm]]
* [[Neoplasm]]
*Percussions
* Percussions
*[[Peripheral Neuropathy]]
* [[Peripheral Neuropathy]]
*[[Peripheral emboli]]
* [[Peripheral emboli]]
*[[Poiliomyelitis]]
* [[Poiliomyelitis]]
*[[Polyarteritis Nosdosa]]
* [[Polyarteritis Nosdosa]]
*[[Polycythemia Vera]]
* [[Polycythemia Vera]]
*[[reflex sympathetic dystrophy|Post-traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
* [[reflex sympathetic dystrophy|Post-traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy]]
*[[Propranolol]]
* [[Propranolol]]
*[[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
*[[Scalenus-anticus Syndrome]]
* [[Scalenus-anticus Syndrome]]
*[[Scleroderma]]
* [[Scleroderma]]
*[[Scoliosis]]
* [[Scoliosis]]
*[[Sjorgen's Syndrome]]
* [[Sjorgen's Syndrome]]
*[[Spinal tumor]]
* [[Spinal tumor]]
*[[Sulfasalazine]]
* [[Sulfasalazine]]
*[[Syringomyelia]]
* [[Syringomyelia]]
*[[Thallium]]
* [[Thallium]]
*[[Thromboangitis obliterans]]
* [[Thromboangitis obliterans]]
*[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]]
* [[Thoracic outlet syndrome]]
*Vibrations
* Vibrations
*[[Vinyl chloride poisioning]]
* [[Vinyl chloride poisioning]]
*[[Wegener's Granulomatosis]]
* [[Wegener's Granulomatosis]]
 
== Symptoms ==


==Symptoms==
The condition causes painful, pale, cold extremities. This is often distressing, impinges on quality of life, and is potentially dangerous
The condition causes painful, pale, cold extremities. This is often distressing, impinges on quality of life, and is potentially dangerous


Line 185: Line 192:


=== Investigations ===
=== Investigations ===
A careful [[medical history|history]] will often reveal whether the condition is primary or secondary. Once this has been established, investigations are largely to identify or exclude possible secondary causes.
A careful [[medical history|history]] will often reveal whether the condition is primary or secondary. Once this has been established, investigations are largely to identify or exclude possible secondary causes.
*Digital artery pressure: pressures are measured in the digital arteries before and after cooling the hands. A drop of 15 mmHg or more is diagnostic.
*[[Doppler ultrasound]]: to assess flow
*[[Full blood count]]: this can reveal a normocytic [[anaemia]] suggesting the [[anaemia of chronic disease]] or [[renal failure]]
*[[Blood test|Urea & Electrolytes]]: this can reveal renal impairment
*[[Thyroid function tests]]: this can reveal [[hypothyroidism]]
*An [[autoantibody]] screen, tests for [[rheumatoid factor]], [[Erythrocyte sedimentation rate]] and [[C-reactive protein]], which may reveal specific causative illnesses or a generalised inflammatory process
*Nail fold vasculature: this can be examined under the microscope
== Laboratory Findings ==
*Labs include:
:*[[CBC]] with differential
:*[[TSH]]
:*[[Hepatitis]]
:*[[Creatine phosphokinase]]
:*[[ANA]]
:*[[ESR]]
:*[[Rheumatoid factor]]


=== Autoantibody Testing ===  
* Digital artery pressure: pressures are measured in the digital arteries before and after cooling the hands. A drop of 15 mmHg or more is diagnostic.
* [[Doppler ultrasound]]: to assess flow
* [[Full blood count]]: this can reveal a normocytic [[anaemia]] suggesting the [[anaemia of chronic disease]] or [[renal failure]]
* [[Blood test|Urea & Electrolytes]]: this can reveal renal impairment
* [[Thyroid function tests]]: this can reveal [[hypothyroidism]]
* An [[autoantibody]] screen, tests for [[rheumatoid factor]], [[Erythrocyte sedimentation rate]] and [[C-reactive protein]], which may reveal specific causative illnesses or a generalised inflammatory process
* Nail fold vasculature: this can be examined under the microscope
 
== Laboratory Findings ==
 
* Labs include:
:* [[CBC]] with differential
:* [[TSH]]
:* [[Hepatitis]]
:* [[Creatine phosphokinase]]
:* [[ANA]]
:* [[ESR]]
:* [[Rheumatoid factor]]
 
=== Autoantibody Testing ===
 
* Anti-double stranded DNA and anti - Sm
* Anti - Sjögren's syndrome
* Anti - CREST syndrome
* Anti - ribonucleoprotein
* Anti - Scl 70
* ANCA


*Anti-double stranded DNA and anti - Sm
== Treatment ==
*Anti - Sjögren's syndrome
*Anti - CREST syndrome
*Anti - ribonucleoprotein
*Anti - Scl 70
*ANCA


==Treatment==
Treatment options are dependent on the type of Raynaud's present. Raynaud's syndrome is treated primarily by addressing the underlying cause, but includes all options for Raynaud's disease as well. Treatment of primary Raynaud's focuses on avoiding triggers:
Treatment options are dependent on the type of Raynaud's present. Raynaud's syndrome is treated primarily by addressing the underlying cause, but includes all options for Raynaud's disease as well. Treatment of primary Raynaud's focuses on avoiding triggers:
*Avoidance of any environmental triggers, e.g. cold, drilling, etc. (although emotional stress is a recognised trigger, it tends to be impossible to consciously avoid).
*Warm clothing for the extremities such as mittens or HeatBands
*Hormone regulation and assessment of the type of [[hormonal contraception]] used, if any. Contraception which is low in [[estrogen]] is preferable, and the [[progesterone only pill]] is often prescribed.
*Smoking cessation.
*Drug treatment is normally with a [[calcium channel blocker]], frequently [[nifedipine]] to prevent arterioconstriction. It has the usual side effects of headache, flushing, and ankle [[edema]], and patients often stop treatment, preferring the symptoms of Raynaud's to the symptoms of the drug.
*The extract of the [[Ginkgo biloba]] leaves (Egb 761, 80mg) reduces symptoms in two weeks.
*There is some evidence that [[Angiotensin II receptor antagonist]]s (often [[Losartan]]) reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
*In intractable cases, [[sympathectomy]] and infusions of [[prostaglandin]]s, e.g. [[prostacyclin]], may be tried, with [[amputation]] in exceptionally severe cases.
*Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers such as prazosin can be used to control Raynaud's vasospasms under supervision of a health care provider.
*In a study published in the November 8, 2005 issue of ''Circulation'', [[sildenafil]] (Viagra) improved both microcirculation and symptoms in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon resistant to vasodilatory therapy. The authors, led by Dr Roland Fries (Gotthard-Schettler-Klinik, Bad Schönborn, Germany), report: "In the present study, capillary blood flow was severely impaired and sometimes hardly detectable in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Sildenafil led to a more than 400% increase of flow velocity."
*Two separate gels combined on the fingertip (somewhat like two-part [[epoxy]], they cannot be combined before use because they will react) increased blood flow in the fingertips by about three times.  One gel contained 5% sodium nitrite and the other contained 5% ascorbic acid.  The milliliter of combined gel covered an area of ~3 cm². The gel was wiped off after a few seconds. Tucker, A.T. et al., ''The Lancet'', Vol. 354, November 13, 1999, pp..


==See also==
* Avoidance of any environmental triggers, e.g. cold, drilling, etc. (although emotional stress is a recognised trigger, it tends to be impossible to consciously avoid).
*[[CREST syndrome]]
* Warm clothing for the extremities such as mittens or HeatBands
*[[Circulatory system]]
* Hormone regulation and assessment of the type of [[hormonal contraception]] used, if any. Contraception which is low in [[estrogen]] is preferable, and the [[progesterone only pill]] is often prescribed.
* Smoking cessation.
* Drug treatment is normally with a [[calcium channel blocker]], frequently [[nifedipine]] to prevent arterioconstriction. It has the usual side effects of headache, flushing, and ankle [[edema]], and patients often stop treatment, preferring the symptoms of Raynaud's to the symptoms of the drug.
* The extract of the [[Ginkgo biloba]] leaves (Egb 761, 80mg) reduces symptoms in two weeks.
* There is some evidence that [[Angiotensin II receptor antagonist]]s (often [[Losartan]]) reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
* In intractable cases, [[sympathectomy]] and infusions of [[prostaglandin]]s, e.g. [[prostacyclin]], may be tried, with [[amputation]] in exceptionally severe cases.
* Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers such as prazosin can be used to control Raynaud's vasospasms under supervision of a health care provider.
* In a study published in the November 8, 2005 issue of ''Circulation'', [[sildenafil]] (Viagra) improved both microcirculation and symptoms in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon resistant to vasodilatory therapy. The authors, led by Dr Roland Fries (Gotthard-Schettler-Klinik, Bad Schönborn, Germany), report: "In the present study, capillary blood flow was severely impaired and sometimes hardly detectable in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Sildenafil led to a more than 400% increase of flow velocity."
* Two separate gels combined on the fingertip (somewhat like two-part [[epoxy]], they cannot be combined before use because they will react) increased blood flow in the fingertips by about three times.  One gel contained 5% sodium nitrite and the other contained 5% ascorbic acid.  The milliliter of combined gel covered an area of ~3 cm². The gel was wiped off after a few seconds. Tucker, A.T. et al., ''The Lancet'', Vol. 354, November 13, 1999, pp..
 
== See also ==


==References==
* [[CREST syndrome]]
* [[Circulatory system]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
 
== External links ==
 
* [http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/raynaud/ar125fs.htm Overview] at [[National Institutes of Health]]
* [http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/raynaud/ar125fs.htm Overview] at [[National Institutes of Health]]
* [http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/926055412.html Overview] at [[Medical College of Wisconsin]]
* [http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/926055412.html Overview] at [[Medical College of Wisconsin]]


{{Circulatory system pathology}}
{{Circulatory system pathology}}


[[de:Raynaud-Syndrom]]
[[de:Raynaud-Syndrom]]
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[[pt:Fenômeno de Raynaud]]
[[pt:Fenômeno de Raynaud]]
[[fi:Raynaud'n oireyhtymä]]
[[fi:Raynaud'n oireyhtymä]]


[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
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Revision as of 16:35, 21 August 2012

For patient information click here

Raynaud's phenomenon
Hands with Raynaud's phenomenon
ICD-10 I73.0
ICD-9 443.0
DiseasesDB 25933
MeSH D011928

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Editors-In-Chief: Asghar Fakhri, M.D., Duane S. Pinto, M.D. and C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.

Overview

Raynaud's phenomenon (RAY-noz), in medicine, is a vasospastic disorder causing discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other extremities, named for French physician Maurice Raynaud (1834 - 1881). The cause of the phenomenon is unknown, but emotional stress and cold are classically triggers, and the discoloration follows a characteristic pattern in time: white, blue and red. It comprises both Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's), where the phenomenon is idiopathic, and Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's), where it is secondary to something else.

Incidence

The phenomenon is more common in women than men, with the Framingham Study finding that 5.8% of men and 9.6% of women suffered from it.

Epidemiology

There is a familial component to primary Raynaud's, and presentation is typically before 30. Smoking worsens frequency and intensity of attacks, and there is a hormonal component. Sufferers are more likely to have migraine and angina than controls.

Associated Conditions

Secondary Raynaud's has a number of associations:

It is important to realise that Raynaud's can herald these diseases by periods of more than 20 years in some cases, making it effectively their first presenting symptom. This can be the case in the CREST syndrome, of which Raynaud's is a part.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Complete List of Differential Diagnoses

In alphabetical order [1][2]

Symptoms

The condition causes painful, pale, cold extremities. This is often distressing, impinges on quality of life, and is potentially dangerous

Unilateral Raynaud's, or that which is present only in the hands or feet, is almost certainly secondary, as primary Raynaud's is a systemic condition. However, a patient's feet may be affected without his realizing it.

In pregnancy, this sign normally disappears due to increased surface blood flow.

Investigations

A careful history will often reveal whether the condition is primary or secondary. Once this has been established, investigations are largely to identify or exclude possible secondary causes.

Laboratory Findings

  • Labs include:

Autoantibody Testing

  • Anti-double stranded DNA and anti - Sm
  • Anti - Sjögren's syndrome
  • Anti - CREST syndrome
  • Anti - ribonucleoprotein
  • Anti - Scl 70
  • ANCA

Treatment

Treatment options are dependent on the type of Raynaud's present. Raynaud's syndrome is treated primarily by addressing the underlying cause, but includes all options for Raynaud's disease as well. Treatment of primary Raynaud's focuses on avoiding triggers:

  • Avoidance of any environmental triggers, e.g. cold, drilling, etc. (although emotional stress is a recognised trigger, it tends to be impossible to consciously avoid).
  • Warm clothing for the extremities such as mittens or HeatBands
  • Hormone regulation and assessment of the type of hormonal contraception used, if any. Contraception which is low in estrogen is preferable, and the progesterone only pill is often prescribed.
  • Smoking cessation.
  • Drug treatment is normally with a calcium channel blocker, frequently nifedipine to prevent arterioconstriction. It has the usual side effects of headache, flushing, and ankle edema, and patients often stop treatment, preferring the symptoms of Raynaud's to the symptoms of the drug.
  • The extract of the Ginkgo biloba leaves (Egb 761, 80mg) reduces symptoms in two weeks.
  • There is some evidence that Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (often Losartan) reduce frequency and severity of attacks.
  • In intractable cases, sympathectomy and infusions of prostaglandins, e.g. prostacyclin, may be tried, with amputation in exceptionally severe cases.
  • Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers such as prazosin can be used to control Raynaud's vasospasms under supervision of a health care provider.
  • In a study published in the November 8, 2005 issue of Circulation, sildenafil (Viagra) improved both microcirculation and symptoms in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon resistant to vasodilatory therapy. The authors, led by Dr Roland Fries (Gotthard-Schettler-Klinik, Bad Schönborn, Germany), report: "In the present study, capillary blood flow was severely impaired and sometimes hardly detectable in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Sildenafil led to a more than 400% increase of flow velocity."
  • Two separate gels combined on the fingertip (somewhat like two-part epoxy, they cannot be combined before use because they will react) increased blood flow in the fingertips by about three times. One gel contained 5% sodium nitrite and the other contained 5% ascorbic acid. The milliliter of combined gel covered an area of ~3 cm². The gel was wiped off after a few seconds. Tucker, A.T. et al., The Lancet, Vol. 354, November 13, 1999, pp..

See also

References

  1. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:144
  2. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:310-311

External links

de:Raynaud-Syndrom ko:레이노 현상 it:Fenomeno di Raynaud nl:Fenomeen van Raynaud fi:Raynaud'n oireyhtymä


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