Raynaud's disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Raynaud's disease Classification and external resources |
||
| ICD-10 | I73.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 443.0 | |
| OMIM | 179600 | |
| DiseasesDB | 11186 | |
| MedlinePlus | 000412 | |
| eMedicine | med/1993 | |
| MeSH | C14.907.744 | |
Raynaud's disease (RAY-noz) is a vascular disorder[1] that affects blood flow to the extremities which include the fingers, toes, nose and ears when exposed to temperature changes or stress. It was named after Maurice Raynaud (1834 - 1881),[2] a French physician who first described it in 1862.[3]
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[edit] Symptoms
The symptoms include several cyclic color changes:
- When exposed to cold temperatures, the blood supply to the fingertips, toes, nose, and earlobes of Raynaud's disease patients is reduced and the skin turns pale or white (called pallor) and becomes cold and numb.
- When the oxygen supply is depleted, the skin colour turns blue (called cyanosis).
- These events are episodic and when the episode subsides, or the area is warmed, blood returns to the area and the skin colour turns red (rubor) and then back to normal, often accompanied by swelling and tingling. These symptoms are thought to be due to reactive hyperemias of the areas deprived of blood flow.
All three colour changes are present in classic Raynaud's disease. However, some patients do not see all of the colour changes in all outbreaks of this condition.
[edit] Disease vs. phenomenon
It is important to distinguish Raynaud's disease from Raynaud's phenomenon. In order to diagnose these two forms of Raynaud, your doctor may look for signs of arthritis or vasculitis and conduct a number of laboratory tests.
[edit] Primary Raynaud's (disease)
Raynaud's disease (or "Primary Raynaud's") is diagnosed if the symptoms occur only by themselves and are not accompanied by other diseases. Primary Raynaud's often develops in young women in their teens and young adulthood. This form of Raynaud's is thought to be at least partly hereditary, although specific genes have not yet been identified.[4]
[edit] Secondary Raynaud's (phenomenon)
Raynaud's phenomenon (or "Secondary Raynaud's") occurs secondary to many different causes:
- The most common causes are connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma/systemic sclerosis/CREST syndrome, arthritis and many others.
- Other disorders that can be causes include carpal tunnel syndrome and obstructive arterial disease.
- Medications that can be causes include beta-blockers and ergotamine.
In contrast to the disease form, this form of Raynaud can progress to necrosis or gangrene of the fingertips.
Patients with secondary RP can also have symptoms related to their underlying diseases. RP is the initial symptom of 70% of patients with scleroderma, a skin and joint disease. Other rheumatic diseases frequently associated with RP include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome. For further information, please read the Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis articles.
[edit] Prevention
Patients with Raynaud's disease are advised to keep warm by wearing gloves and socks. They should also avoid stress, medicines that can constrict blood vessels such as decongestants and touching cold objects. Patients are also advised to avoid foods and activities that may constrict blood vessels such as drinking caffeinated drinks and smoking. Avoiding artificially cold environments, such as refrigerated or highly air conditioned spaces, can also help prevent episodes from occurring.
[edit] Treatment
- See also: Raynaud's phenomenon#Treatment
The severity of the disease runs from mild to severe. In people with mild cases, this may be simply an annoyance. Heatbands and hand warmers may be used on the wrists to warm the blood flowing to the hands. More serious cases require medical intervention due to the risks of gangrene and possible digital amputation. Microvascular surgery of the affected areas is a possible therapy.
Treatment for Raynaud's disease may include prescription medicines that dilate blood vessels, such as calcium channel blockers (nifedipine). Mild cases of Raynaud's can be addressed by biofeedback or a technique to help control involuntary body functions such as skin temperature. In severe cases, a sympathectomy procedure can be performed. Here, the nerves that signal the blood vessels of the fingertips to constrict are surgically cut.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ d_22/12305108 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- ^ Raynaud's disease at Who Named It
- ^ Raynaud AGM. (1862). "De l'asphyxie locale et de la gangrène symétrique des extrémités.". Academic thesis, Paris, Rignoux.
- ^ Pistorius MA, Planchon B, Schott JJ, Lemarec H (2006). "[Heredity and genetic aspects of Raynaud's disease]" (in French). J Mal Vasc 31 (1): 10–5. PMID 16609626.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Raynaud's Disease at healthatoz.com
- What Is Raynaud's Disease at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Raynaud's Disease at Mayo Clinic
- Raynaud's Disease at healthinplainenglish.com
- Raynaud's Phenomenon at National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Gel improves circulation disorder at BBC News
- Dental Reynauds Disease Connection at icnr.com
- Definition of Raynaud's disease at medterms.com
