Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Raynaud’s syndrome. Family history Are there any conditions in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Medical History
Cardiovascular System (I00-I99). Acrocyanosis – blue-red discoloration of the fingers/toes. Embolism – sudden vascular occlusion Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK) – progressive narrowing or occlusion of the arteries supplying the arms / (more often) legs, usually due to atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, arteriosclerosis).
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by Raynaud’s syndrome: Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Trophic skin lesions Further Necrosis (tissue death)
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) of skin [due tosymptoms of fingers/toes (tricolor phenomenon): Paleness (white). Acrocyanosis (blue) Skin redness (red)] Studies of blood flow to the hands, especially by the following clinical tests: Fist-closing … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Examination
2nd-order laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Serum electrophoresis Immunoelectrophoresis Cold agglutination Cryoglobulins Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
Therapeutic target Improvement of the symptoms Therapy recommendations Nifedipine (calcium antagonist); other agents such as prostanoids, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and endothelin antagonists (off-label use/use outside the indications or group of people for which the drugs are approved by drug authorities) See also under “Other therapy.”
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Magnetic resonance imaging angiography (MR angiography). Color duplex sonography (vascular ultrasound) – ultrasound examination of the vessels (arteries, veins), with which the direction of blood flow in relation to … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent Raynaud’s syndrome, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Primary Raynaud’s syndrome Behavioral risk factors of primary Raynaud’s syndrome. Cold Emotions Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome Behavioral risk factors of secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Pleasure food consumption Tobacco (smoking) Drug use Amphetamines (indirect sympathomimetic). Cocaine Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98). Heavy … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Raynaud’s syndrome: Symptoms of primary Raynaud’s syndrome. Seizure-like, painful decreased blood flow to the fingers/toes [triggers: cold, wet, emotional stress]. If necessary, numbness Symmetrical affection; fingers II-V Trophic disorders [none] Maximum duration 30 minutes Symptoms of secondary Raynaud’s syndrome Seizure-like, painful decreased blood flow to fingers/toes [trigger: none]. … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (disease development) Raynaud’s syndrome refers to circulatory disorders of the hands or feet caused by vasospasm (spasm of blood vessels). Etiology (Causes) Primary Raynaud’s syndrome Behavioral causes of primary Raynaud’s syndrome. Cold Emotions Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome Behavioral causes of secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking) Drug use Amphetamines (indirect sympathomimetic). Cocaine Disease-related … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Causes
General measures Avoiding cold and wet conditions! Avoiding activities that can lead to vibration damage. Chronic exposure to mechanical vibration leads to wear and tear of the musculoskeletal system and damage to vessels and nerves. Nicotine abstinence Abstinence from drugs: Amphetamines, cocaine Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease. Secondary Raynaud’s … Raynaud’s Syndrome: Therapy
