Raynaud's phenomenon

Definition:

Sporadic attacks of blood vessel spasms resulting in interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. It is caused by exposure to the cold or strong emotions and is secondary to some other medical conditions.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with diseases of the arteries such as Buerger's disease and atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. It can also follow repeated trauma, particularly vibrations such as those caused by typing or playing the piano. An overdose of ergot compounds or methysergide may also be a cause of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. If symptoms occur with no known cause, the disorder is known as Raynaud's disease.

Strong emotion or exposure to the cold causes the fingers, toes, ears or nose to become white, due to a lack of blood flow in the area. They then turn blue, which is a result of tiny blood vessels dilating to allow more blood to remain in the tissues. When the flow of blood returns, the area becomes red and then later returns to normal color. There may be associated tingling, swelling, and painful throbbing. The attacks may last from minutes to hours.

If the condition progresses, blood flow to the area could become permanently decreased causing the fingers to become thin and tapered, with smooth, shiny skin and slow growing nails. If an artery becomes blocked completely, gangrene or ulceration of the skin may occur.

The risk factors include associated diseases and smoking. Women are affected more often than men. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.