What Is Raynaud's Disease?

By dr. mera

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Fava, A., & Boin, F. (1970, January 01). Historical Perspective of Raynaud's Phenomenon. Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4939-1526-2_1
• 2. Hansen-Dispenza, H., MD. (2019, November 02). Raynaud Phenomenon: Practice Essentials,Pathophysiology, Etiology. Retrieved 2020, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331197-overview#a5
• 3. Goudry, B., Bell, L., Langtree, M., & Moorthy, A. (2012). Diagnosis and management of Raynaud’s phenomenon. BMJ, 344, 37-42. doi:10.1136/bmj.e289

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8. Diagnosis

A physician can make the diagnosis for Raynaud’s phenomenon solely based on their clinical assessment. The doctor must thoroughly ask the patient questions about the finger or toes affected, the frequency of episodes, the pattern of color changes, and triggers for attacks. As previously mentioned, the doctor must also make a general evaluation of the patient after their first attack to determine secondary causes or associated diseases. Symptoms like rash, oversensitivity of skin to light, headaches, joint pains, sores, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth sensation can also alert the clinician of such diseases. Finally, the doctor should ask about the patient’s occupation, habits (i.e. smoking), and medications.³Goudry, B., Bell, L., Langtree, M., & Moorthy, A. (2012). Diagnosis and management of Raynaud’s phenomenon. BMJ, 344, 37-42. doi:10.1136/bmj.e289

There are available studies that can be used to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon; however, none is better than the clinical assessment of an experienced physician. These tests include imaging studies, thermography (to detect heat patterns made by blood flow), and arteriography. A patient with a more severe lesion, such as digital ulcers or gangrene, might require other studies. Additionally, laboratory tests might be necessary to rule out an associated disease. Finally, most cases of Raynaud’s phenomenon can be treated in primary care, but some might need a referral to another specialist (i.e. rheumatology).