Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by paroxysmal reversible episodes of vasospam , usually involving peripheral small vessela of the fingers or toes and resulting in a triple-colour chage starting with pallor and followed by cyanosis and erythema ( Linnemann B , Erbe M 2015 )

How common -Described in 1862 by Maurice Raynaud , he thought this was ischaemic in nature Highly prevalent in the general population , 3-21 % depending upon climate BMJ paper in 2012 cites ' non-population based studies of prevalence show that 3-12.5 % of men and 6-20 % of women report symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon Climate is known to influence the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon Several studies have shown that it is more common in women.

Fingers turn white( ischaemia )-Then they turn blue ( Cyanosis )-Then red( reperfusion )

What happens ? Exact pathogenesis is not understood yet completely and is complex . Herrick AL in 2012 has listed the possible pathogenesis under the following factors

Vascular - Balance between vasodilatation and vasoconstriction is disturbed impaired vasodilatation increased vasconstriction stuctural abnormalities( 2ary RP )

Neural -Patients describe worsening of RP symptoms with stress.Role of CNS is being studied and it is likely that the autonomic...