Raynaud’s Phenomenon Flashcards
What is Raynaud’s phenomenon?
A condition which occurs due to vascconstriction of the digits
Characterised by typical sequence of colour changes in response to cold stimulus
What are the colour changes that occur in Raynaud’s?
- white: inadequate blood flow
- blue: cyanosis
- red: reperfusion + hyperaemia
What is Raynaud’s syndrome/disease?
The term used when Raynaud’s phenomenon is idiopathic
Management of Raynaud’s syndrome/disease
Avoid smoking
Take measures to keep warm (especially hands)
What diseases are associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon?
- scleroderma/systemic sclerosis
- SLE
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- dermatomyositis + polymyositis
What drugs can cause/worsen Raynaud’s phenomenon?
Beta blockers
Physical causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon
- use of heavy vibrating tools
- cervical rib
- sticky blood e.g. crygolubinaemia (vasculitis)
Complications of Raynaud’s phenomenon
Digital ulcers
Infection
Gangrene
Compare the pattern + duration of Raynaud’s syndrome + phenomenon
- Raynaud’s syndrome: lasts minutes | symmetrical + bilateral pattern
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: lasts hours | asymmetrical pattern with only a few digits affected
Management of Raynaud’s phenomenon
- keep hands warm
- avoid smoking
- CCBs first line e.g. nifedipine
- phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors e.g. sildenadfil (viagra)
Secondary causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon
- scleroderma
- RA
- SLE
- leukaemia
- use of vibrating tools
- oral contraceptive pill
First line drug in Raynaud’s phenomenon
CCBs
e.g. nifedipine
