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ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS

ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS

  • Paroxysmal bilateral digital pallor and cyanosis followed by rubor.

  • Precipitated by cold or emotional stress; relieved by warmth.

  • Primary form: benign course; usually affects young women.

  • Secondary form: more severe, sometimes causing digital ulceration or gangrene.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is a syndrome of paroxysmal digital ischemia, most commonly caused by an exaggerated response of digital arterioles to cold or emotional stress. The initial phase of RP, mediated by excessive vasoconstriction, consists of well-demarcated digital pallor or cyanosis; the subsequent (recovery) phase of RP, caused by vasodilation, leads to intense hyperemia and rubor. Although RP chiefly affects fingers, it can also affect toes and other acral areas such as the nose and ears. RP is classified as primary (idiopathic or Raynaud disease) or secondary. Nearly one-third of the population reports being “sensitive to the cold” but does not experience the paroxysms of digital pallor, cyanosis, and erythema characteristic of RP. Primary RP occurs in 2–6% of adults, is especially common in young women, and poses more of a nuisance than a threat to good health. In contrast, secondary RP is less common, is chiefly associated with rheumatic diseases (especially systemic sclerosis), and can be severe enough to cause digital ulceration (eFigure 22–24) or gangrene.

eFigure 22–24.

Infected digital ulcer from Raynaud phenomenon. (Used, with permission, from Rebecca L. Manno, MD.)

CLINICAL FINDINGS

In early attacks of RP, only one or two fingertips may be affected; as it progresses, all fingers down to the distal palm may be involved (eFigure 22–25). The thumbs are rarely affected. During recovery there may be intense rubor, throbbing, paresthesia, pain, and slight swelling. Attacks usually terminate spontaneously or upon returning to a warm room or putting the extremity in warm water. The patient is usually asymptomatic between attacks. Sensory changes that often accompany vasomotor manifestations include numbness, tingling, diminished sensation, and aching pain.

eFigure 22–25.

Raynaud phenomenon of the hands characterized by paroxysmal bilateral digital pallor and cyanosis followed by rubor; early in attacks, only one or two fingertips may be affected but as it progresses, all fingers down to the distal palm may be involved. (Used, with permission, from Nicole Richman, MD.)

Primary RP appears more commonly in women between ages 15 and 30, symmetrically involving the fingers of both hands, unlike secondary RP (which may be unilateral and may involve only one or two fingers). It tends to be mildly progressive. Spasm becomes more frequent and prolonged. Unlike secondary RP, primary RP does not cause digital pitting, ulceration, or gangrene.

Nailfold capillary abnormalities are among the earliest clues of secondary rather than primary RP. The nailfold ...

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