Response of digital blood pressure to cold provocation in cases with Raynaud phenomena.
A new diagnostic test of the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of vasospastic disorders is described. It entails measurement of systolic digital artery pressure during successive cooling from 35-5 degrees C. In cases with vasospastic disorders with Raynaud phenomena a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure below 78% of control level is observed and in the most pronounced cases total cessation of flow occurs (critical closing). The test is also a quantitative measure of the degree of vasospasm since the pressure reduction correlates to the clinical degree of vasoconstriction.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013599:Systole; D014661:Vasoconstriction