- Clinically presents as episodes (min-hours) of blanching and/or cyanosis of digits followed by erythema, tingling and pain
- Due to vasospasm and structural diseases of blood vessels following cold exposure or emotional stress
- Symptoms
- Hypersensitivity to cold Temperatures
- Color changes of digits during cold or stress exposure
- “White attacks” suggest severe ischemia
- Mottling with acrocyanosis is more common and benign
- Sensation of numbness, clumsiness or “pins and needles”
- One finger may be more sensitive than the others
- Signs
- Pallor or Cyanosis of fingers or toes
- Thumb is not involved
- If severe, can result in infarction of tissue at fingertips → digital pitting scars, gangrene or autoamputation of the fingers/toes
- Scleroderma is the most common cause of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Secondary Causes of Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Scleroderma (95% have Raynaud’s)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Dermatomyositis
- Trauma
- Occupational tool use (vibratory tool)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Occlusive vascular disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Systemic Vasculitis
- Thromboembolism
- Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
- Medications
- Hyperviscosity state (e.g. Polycythemia Vera)
- Paraproteinemia
- Cryoglobulinemia
Related