title: [Raynaud's phenomenon in occupational vibration exposure].
abstract: METHODS
  A 34-year-old female stonemason was referred for expert opinion. The question at issue was, whether she suffered from vibration-induced white finger disease. She was exposed to high-frequency hand-arm vibrations for many years. She reported white finger attacks at the long fingers, which were associated with cold weather. Until this point, physical findings were normal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cold water provocation test showed a slight delay of the rewarming for the long fingers of the right hand. The nailfold capillary microscopy was normal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The slight Raynaud's phenomenon was recognized as an occupational disease with a diagnosis of vibration-induced white finger disease. About three years later, the symptoms of the Raynaud's phenomenon had deteriorated, although the patient had finished working with vibrating tools. The cold water provocation test confirmed the deterioration. At this time, the patient had inflamed swellings of some joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The differential diagnosis of a Raynaud's phenomenon should include occupational causes. Occupational history is diagnostically indicative. If an occupational disease is assumed, a report must be filed. With respect to German social law, the deterioration of the Raynaud's phenomenon was caused by the rheumatoid arthritis, which is regarded as independent from the job.
authors: Institut für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin der Universitätsmedizin der  Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Letzel
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Muttray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D053421:Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013817:Thermography