Raynaud's

Question 1

Raynaud’s can either be primary or secondary. What is primary Raynaud’s called and what is secondary Raynaud’s called?

Answer 1

Primary = Raynaud’s disease

Secondary = Raynaud’s phenomena

Question 2

Who usually gets Raynaud’s disease?

Answer 2

Women in their 20s-30s

Question 3

What worsens attacks of Raynauds disease?

Answer 3

• Smoking
• Caffeine.

Question 4

How is Raynaud’s disease (primary) diagnosed?

Answer 4

If the symptoms occur by themselves and are have no association with other diseases. (Idiopathic)

Question 5

What are Raynaud’s disease sufferes more likely to suffer from?

Answer 5

Migraines

Angina`

Question 6

What factors would suggest that there is an underlying connective tissue disorder causing a secondary Raynauds?

Answer 6

• Onset after 40 years
• Unilateral symptoms
• Rashes
• Presence of autoantibodies
• Features which may suggest rheumatoid arthritis or SLE, for example arthritis or recurrent miscarriages
• Digital ulcers, calcinosis
• Very rarely: chilblains

Question 7

What are some causes of Raynaud’s Phenomena (Secondary)?

Answer 7

• Connective tissue disorders: scleroderma (most common), rheumatoid arthritis, SLE
• Leukaemia
• Type I cryoglobulinaemia, cold agglutinins
• Use of vibrating tools
• Drugs: oral contraceptive pill, ergot
• Cervical rib

Question 8

How do you manage Raynaud’s?

Answer 8

1. First line - CCB (e.g. Nifedipine)
2. IV Prostacyclin infusions - effects may last several weeks/months.