Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, unlike primary Raynaud's phenomenon, is characterized by the presence of another underlying disease.

Causes
Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is most often a manifestation of:


 * systemic diseases of the connective tissue (sklerodermie, SLE),
 * occlusive arterial diseases (Atherosclerosis, Thromboangiitis obliterans),
 * upper thoracic aperture compression Upper thoracic aperture syndrome.

Other less common causes include:


 * traumatic vasospastic syndrome (microtraumatization in workers with vibrating devices),
 * neurological diseases (Carpal tunnel syndrome),
 * hemato-oncological diseases,
 * poisoning (amphetamine, cisplatin, cocaine).

Clinical picture

 * Practically constant pain in the fingers, worse with cold.

Diagnostics

 * History, physical examination;
 * Capillaroscopy of the nail bed - positive finding in systemic diseases of the connective tissue;
 * Duplex ultrasonography or angiography;
 * Immunological examination - antinuclear antibodies, immunocomplexes, ANCA, rheumatoid factor.

Therapy
The treatment of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon consists mainly in the treatment of the underlying disease.