Raynaud's phenomenon. The French tricolor.
Recent epidemiologic surveys indicate that episodic vasospasm of arterioles (Raynaud's phenomenon) is a common finding in the general population. In a small minority of these individuals, an underlying, often reversible cause or systemic disease associated with vasospasm can be identified. The range of these so-called secondary forms of vasospasm is broad and includes systemic rheumatic syndromes, vibration-induced vascular injury, drug-induced vasospasm, and infectious disorders. Several different physiologic mechanisms may be responsible for vasospasm; hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and abnormal adrenergic receptor function appear to be most important.
Klippel
J H
JH
Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy