Raynaud's disease

Japanese: レイノー病 - レイノーびょう（英語表記）Raynaud's disease

What is the disease?

Arteries expand and contract repeatedly in response to changes in the living environment. When arterial contraction occurs excessively, blood flow to the fingertips and toes suddenly decreases, causing a cold sensation and changes in the skin tone. This is called Raynaud's phenomenon. Among these, Raynaud's disease is a condition that has no underlying disease.

It is most common in women under the age of 40, has a good prognosis and does not require emergency treatment.

What is the cause?

It is caused by spasms (convulsions, spasms) that occur suddenly in the small arteries at the extremities due to cold stimulation or mental stress. It is unclear why the small arteries have excessive spasms, but it is thought to be due to sympathetic nerve stimulation or abnormalities in the parasympathetic nerve center.

How symptoms manifest

Symptoms occur most frequently from autumn to winter and occur symmetrically on both sides of the body.

Skin symptoms show triphasic changes from the onset of peripheral circulatory disorder until recovery. The fingers suddenly turn pale, then purple, and usually turn red and recover normally within 10 to 30 minutes. Some patients may only show paleness, or complain of numbness or pain.

Although rare, severe cases can cause ulcers and deformities in the fingertips.

Testing and diagnosis

Doctors may suspect Raynaud's phenomenon based on the symptoms. Blood tests and angiograms may then be performed to determine the cause. Collagen disease ( Public health center ) We recommend tests to rule out diseases that may be causing the condition, such as vascular disease. Fingertip ( Shisen ) Volume pulse wave and thermography may also be performed.

Raynaud's disease is diagnosed when there is a sudden, symmetrical change in skin color and no other underlying cause is identified.

Treatment methods

In mild cases, prevention measures such as keeping warm, not smoking, and getting enough sleep are the main focus. Treatment is basically symptomatic, and mild sedatives and various types of vasodilators are used.

In severe cases, a sympathectomy is performed. β ( beta ) The use of blockers and oral contraceptives should be avoided.

What to do if you notice an illness

There are no clinical problems outside of attacks, but preventive measures are taken to avoid recurrence of symptoms.

Wear gloves and take other measures to protect yourself from the cold, avoid mental stress, and try to quit smoking. Be careful not to use antihistamines or caffeine, as they can worsen the symptoms.

It is important to distinguish this from Raynaud's syndrome, which has an underlying disease as the cause, but even if the underlying disease is unknown at first, a collagen disease or other condition may become apparent several years later. It is important to consult with your doctor and monitor the progress.

Akihiro Niwa

Source: Houken “Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia” Information about the Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia

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