[Raynaud's phenomenon; diagnosis and treatment].
Primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a relatively common disorder. Most patients with primary RP have only mild symptoms and do not develop complications. Distinguishing primary from secondary RP is important with respect to complications, and for prognosis and treatment. Secondary RP mainly manifests as part of systemic connective tissue disease. About 13% of patients diagnosed initially as having primary RP develop a systemic disorder within the following few years. Both auto-immune serology including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and capillaroscopy are important diagnostic tools if one suspects the existence or development of a systemic disorder. Calcium antagonists are the cornerstone of RP pharmacotherapy.
VU Medisch Centrum, Afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. hma.hofstee@vumc.nl
Herman M A
HM
Hofstee
Alexandre E
AE
Voskuyl
Erik H
EH
Serné
Yvo M
YM
Smulders
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020678:Microscopic Angioscopy / Q000379:methods; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers