[The controversy of primary Raynaud syndrome]

Idiopathic Raynaud's disease is characterized by abnormally prolonged episodic peripheral vasospasm in response to cold or emotional stimuli. Its pathogenetic mechanism remains still unknown, although two theories attempt to explain it. Raynaud hypothesized an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, whereas Lewis postulated a 'local defect' at the level of precapillary resistance vessels. The controversy in both theories is discussed with respect to our knowledge of general and local control mechanisms in the peripheral vasculature.