Raynaud's Phenomenon

Question 1

What is Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Answer 1

• Peripheral digital ischaemia due to paroxysmal vasospasm
• Precipitated by cold or emotion
• Fingers or toes ache and change colour

Question 2

What is the order of the colour change in Raynaud’s?

Answer 2

WHITE (ischaemia) → BLUE (deoxygenation) → RED (reactive hyperaemia)

Question 3

What is the different between primary and secondary Raynaud’s?

Answer 3

• Primary = Raynaud’s disease
• Secondary = Raynaud’s phenomena

Question 4

What are the causes of secondary/Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Answer 4

• Connective tissue disorders → systemic sclerosis / SLE / RA / dermatomyositis
• Occupational → using vibrating tools
• Obstructive → thoracic outlet obstruction / Buerger’s disease
• Blood → thrombocytosis / polycythaemia rubra vera
• Drugs → beta-blockers
• Others → hypothyroidism

Question 5

What is the management of Raynaud’s phenomenon?

Answer 5

• Nifedipine