145: Raynaud Phenomenon Flashcards
What are the two forms of Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
Primary (idiopathic) RP and Secondary RP.
How does Primary Raynaud Phenomenon differ from Secondary Raynaud Phenomenon?
Primary RP is an exaggerated physiologic response to cold or emotional stimuli and does not result in tissue injury. Secondary RP occurs due to a systemic disorder or drug exposure, leading to more aggressive tissue ischemia.
What is the prevalence of Raynaud Phenomenon in the general population?
Up to 10%.
What is the prevalence of Raynaud Phenomenon among patients with systemic sclerosis?
90%.
What demographic factors are associated with Raynaud Phenomenon?
Strong female predominance with a 4:1 female-to-male ratio, symptoms often develop during the second decade of life, increased frequency and severity during menstrual cycles, and associations with cold climate, cardiovascular disease, low body mass index, and use of vibratory tools.
What are the clinical features and symptoms of Raynaud Phenomenon?
Patients experience episodic attacks of white or blue digits due to cold exposure and emotional stimuli, affected digits may be numb and turn bright red upon rewarming, episodes usually last for about 30 minutes but can persist for hours.
What triggers the attacks in patients with Raynaud phenomenon?
Cold exposure and emotional stimuli.
What is a common symptom during an attack of Raynaud phenomenon?
Affected digits become numb and may turn bright red upon rewarming.
What is the typical duration of episodes of Raynaud phenomenon?
Usually lasts for 30 minutes but can persist for hours.
What does secondary Raynaud phenomenon indicate?
It occurs as a result of a systemic disorder or drug exposure and can lead to more severe tissue ischemia.
What are the cutaneous findings associated with Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
Well-demarcated pallor or cyanosis, cold and pale skin distal to the line of ischemia, cyanotic skin upon rewarming, trophic changes, atrophy, dystrophic nail changes, alopecia, true sclerodactyly, and ulcerations.
What is the significance of the Allen test in evaluating Raynaud Phenomenon?
The Allen test assesses arterial and capillary function. Abnormal filling implies structural disease of the microcirculation, raising suspicion for secondary RP.
What are the implications of secondary Raynaud Phenomenon in terms of clinical management?
Secondary RP is associated with more severe symptoms and potential complications, necessitating identification and treatment of the underlying disorder.
What symptoms suggest a connective tissue disorder in patients with Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
Arthralgias, dysphagia, muscle weakness, photosensitivity, gastroesophageal reflux, shortness of breath, or sicca symptoms.
What does persistent ischemic discoloration after rewarming suggest in Raynaud Phenomenon?
It suggests secondary disease.
What are trophic changes of the digits a sign of in Raynaud Phenomenon?
They are signs of prolonged attacks of RP and point to secondary disease.
What does true sclerodactyly indicate in a patient with Raynaud Phenomenon?
It warrants a high degree of suspicion for systemic sclerosis (SSc).
What is the significance of abnormal capillaries in the proximal nailfold for patients with Raynaud Phenomenon?
They portend a 60-fold increased risk for progression to systemic sclerosis (SSc).
What is the progression rate of primary Raynaud Phenomenon (RP) to secondary forms associated with connective tissue diseases during the first decade of onset?
As high as 15%.
What features are predictive of the progression from primary to secondary Raynaud Phenomenon?
Nailfold capillary abnormalities, hand edema, positive Allen’s test, and antinuclear antibodies.
What percentage of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) manifest symptoms of Raynaud Phenomenon?
80% to 90%.
In which connective tissue diseases is Raynaud Phenomenon commonly observed?
Systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune myositis, and systemic vasculitis.
What are some neurological disorders that may cause Raynaud Phenomenon?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and nerve root compression.
What is the primary cause of Primary Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
It develops without an identifiable systemic or drug cause.
What can arteriograms of patients with connective tissue diseases show?
Digital and sometimes ulnar or radial artery obstructions.
What is a prominent feature of reflex sympathetic dystrophy that can simulate Raynaud Phenomenon?
Thermoregulatory changes.
What occupational exposures may contribute to the development of Raynaud Phenomenon?
The use of vibratory tools or perpetual hand trauma.
What are the predictive features for the progression of Primary Raynaud Phenomenon to a secondary form?
Predictive features include: Nailfold capillary abnormalities, Hand edema (puffy hands), Positive Allen’s test, Antinuclear antibodies.
What is the significance of Raynaud Phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)?
In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc): 80% to 90% manifest symptoms of Raynaud Phenomenon. It is the presenting sign in approximately one-third of patients and may be the only manifestation of the disease for years.
How does Raynaud Phenomenon present in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases?
In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases: Raynaud Phenomenon develops in up to a third of patients. It may be the only symptom for years, indicating the need for careful monitoring.
What are the potential neurological causes of Raynaud Phenomenon?
Neurological causes of Raynaud Phenomenon include: Thermoregulatory changes from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Nerve root compression, Complications from carpal tunnel syndrome.
What role do drugs play in the development of Raynaud Phenomenon?
Certain drugs are associated with Raynaud Phenomenon, including: β-Adrenergic blockers, Ergotamines, Oral contraceptives, Methylsergide, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Cyclophosphamide, Amphetamines, Interferon-α and -β, Imatinib.
What occupational factors increase the risk of developing Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
Individuals who work with vibratory tools (e.g., air hammers, chainsaws, rivet guns) and those exposed to cold temperatures (e.g., butchers, ice cream workers, fish packers) are at risk for RP.
What medications are commonly associated with causing Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
Common medications that can cause RP include: β-Adrenergic Blockers (e.g., Propranolol), Vasoconstrictive Drugs (e.g., Clonidine, ergot alkaloids), Chemotherapy Agents (e.g., Bleomycin, cisplatin), Other (e.g., Interferon, sulfasalazine).
What are the vascular abnormalities associated with Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
In Raynaud Phenomenon, endothelial dependent vasodilation is reduced, particularly in primary and SSc-related RP. Inadequate production of vasodilatory mediators and excessive vasoconstriction are critical.
What is the etiology and pathogenesis of Raynaud Phenomenon (RP)?
The etiology of Raynaud Phenomenon involves complex interactions between the vasculature, the nervous system, and circulating cytokines.