Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
05:06
Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
Published on: February 28, 2025
753
Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.
Michael Hughes1,2, Yannick Allanore3, Lorinda Chung4
1Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK. Michael.hughes-6@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk.
Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|February 27, 2020
Summary
Raynaud phenomenon, often the first sign of systemic sclerosis (SSc), requires careful assessment for secondary causes. This review covers SSc-associated digital ulcers and management strategies for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Raynaud phenomenon involves impaired digital perfusion, presenting primarily or secondarily to conditions like systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- It is a common and often early manifestation in patients with SSc.
- Digital ulcers are a significant complication of SSc, indicating digital vascular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the assessment of Raynaud phenomenon, identifying indicators of underlying SSc.
- To discuss the pathogenesis, classification, and assessment of SSc-associated digital ulcers.
- To provide an overview of management strategies for SSc-associated Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Raynaud phenomenon and SSc-associated digital ulcers.
- Analysis of current diagnostic criteria and assessment tools.
- Synthesis of available therapeutic approaches for prevention and healing.
Main Results:
- Key 'red flags' for identifying SSc in Raynaud phenomenon patients are highlighted.
- Understanding of SSc-associated digital ulcer pathogenesis, classification, and assessment is advanced.
- Current management options for both Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers in SSc are summarized.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate assessment of Raynaud phenomenon is crucial for diagnosing SSc.
- Effective management strategies exist for SSc-associated digital ulcers and Raynaud phenomenon.
- A unified vascular phenotype concept may guide future disease modification therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
272
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
272
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
1.3K
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
1.3K
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
915
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
915
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
367
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
367
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
348
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
348
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
213
AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
213