The origin of Raynaud's phenomenon

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Raynaud's phenomenon involves digital artery spasms during pallid attacks.
• The cyanotic phase is characterized by open arteriovenous anastomoses, leading to peripheral ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between cervical vertebral degeneration and Raynaud's phenomenon attacks.
• To explore the role of peripheral nerve injury in the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Main Methods:

• Arteriography was used to visualize arterial spasms during Raynaud's phenomenon attacks.
• Cervical vertebral column X-ray examinations were performed on patients and controls.
• Degenerative changes in cervical vertebrae were assessed.

Main Results:

• Arteriography confirmed spasms in digital, radial, ulnar, and interosseous arteries during pallid attacks.
• Open arteriovenous anastomoses were observed during the cyanotic phase.
• 96.3% of Raynaud's phenomenon patients showed degenerative cervical vertebral changes, compared to 10% in controls.

Conclusions:

• Raynaud's phenomenon attacks are presumed to result from peripheral mixed nerve or root injury.
• Degenerative changes in the cervical spine are strongly associated with Raynaud's phenomenon.
• The opening of arteriovenous anastomoses in the blue phase is linked to nerve injury.