Abstract
Raynaud's phenomenon (RF) is a disease based on paroxysmal vasospasm of peripheral arterioles, which leads to tissue hypoperfusion. It most often arises on the basis of cold or emotionally stressful stimulus.
It is accompanied by significant pain and possible limitation of the function of the affected part of the body.Primary RF is characterized by an increased tendency to vasospasm on the basis of higher sympathetictone, affects otherwise healthy younger individuals, and the disease can spontaneously disappear. In thecase of secondary RF, the basis is another, often systemic, disease (most often systemic scleroderma andrelated diseases), the manifestations are more severe and can lead, on the basis of induced morphologicalchanges, to ulceration.
The basis of diagnosis is a typical clinical picture; evidence of autoantibodies and abnormal capillaroscopic findings are evidence for the secondary form. Treatment consists of regimen measures, psychotherapy, or the administration of vasodilators from various drug groups.
Significantly symptomatic individuals are treated with prostanoid infusions or sympathectomy.