Measurement of the Microcirculation in Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Abstract

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a syndrome particularly affecting the hands in which exposure to cold but also other stimuli, often unrecognised, produce ischaemia with pallor followed by cyanosis and often erythrocyanosis in the fingers. It is commonly accompanied by numbness and tingling. The problem most often occurs without any obvious precipitating cause and is then known as Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Raynaud’s Disease. In some instances however it can be secondary to other disorders. The most important are the connective tissue diseases and in particular systemic sclerosis. Raynaud’s phenomenon can be caused by exposure to certain drugs such as beta blockers, the use of certain vibrating tools and also be due to compression of the vascular structures in the root of the neck.