[Scleroderma: peripheral vascular exploration by Doppler ultrasound (author's transl)]

In this preliminary study the authors consider the data that a Doppler investigation may provide for scleroderma. These data are on three levels. 1) At the diagnostic stage: in case of Raynaud phenomenon the Doppler investigation might allow to establish a diagnosis at an early stage in one of two directions:--whether a Raynaud disease, in case of a normal Doppler without taking into account its long-term future;--whether a Raynaud syndrome, in case of abnormal Doppler (thrombosis of the cubital artery or digital collaterals. Because of a recurring fact we must consider scleroderma first; 2) At the therapeutic stage, the Doppler investigation will perhaps allow to select at an early stage the patients who are able to respond to a cervical sympathectomy in a favorable way. 3) At the pathogenic stage, the Doppler investigation should allow a better selection of patients who are suspicious of being affected with a macroangiopathy has to be accurately diagnosed.