Non-Invasive Evaluation of Raynaud's Phenomenon

摘要

The clinical syndrome we now call Raynaud's was initially described by Maurice Raynaud in the 19th century. Raynaud's disease or phenomenon is characterized by intermittent vasospastic attacks on the peripheral vasculature, accompanied by changes in color of the affected digits (white pallor, cyanotic blue, and deep red) precipitated by cold or emotional upset. Vasospastic episodes are usually bilateral, involving the fingers or toes, and occasionally the ears and nose. These attacks may either be primary (idiopathic), and referred to as Raynaud's disease, or secondary to connective tissue or occlusive vascular disease, and referred to as Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrom. Raynaud's disease affects young women more than men, and emotional instability is thought by some to be present in a large number of cases, although there is conflicting evidence. Although the etiology of Raynaud's Disease is unknown, several theories exist including increased sympathetic tone, increased blood viscosity, metabolic disturbance, or local fault of the arteries.