Blood viscosity and finger systolic pressure in primary and traumatic vasospastic disease

Vasospastic reactions to cold have been suggested to be related to altered blood rheology, as has been reported in both primary (PVD) and traumatic (TVD) vasospastic disease. Measurements of whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte deformability and finger systolic pressure (FSP) were performed in 18 patients with PVD (Raynaud's disease) and 15 patients with TVD. FSP at 10 degrees C was significantly lower in both patient groups than in a normal reference group. All rheologic variables at 37 and 10 degrees C were normal, apart from increased erythrocyte deformability at 37 degrees C in the PVD group.