Service de Cardiologie--Angéiologie, CHU Liège.
Raynaud's
phenomenon (RP) is a common vascular disorder characterized by a
recurrent transient vasospasm of the fingers and toes on exposure to
cold or with emotional stress. Clinical criteria are used to
distinguish patients with primary or idiopathic RP (formely Raynaud's
disease) from those with secondary RP (formely Raynaud's syndrome).
They include history, general physical examination, capillaroscopy,
test for antinuclear antibody and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. More
specific exams may be needed in selective cases. Excluding RP of
occupational origin, the most common cause of secondary RP is a
connective tissue disease (particularly scleroderma). RP may precede
other clinical symptoms by several years, but most patients with RP
will not progress to systemic disease. Nevertheless, primary RP may
cause significant disability. We review the pathophysiology and
clinical criteria of the disorder. Unfortunately, management of PR is
still empirical and largely supportive.