Le Phénomène de Raynaud

Abstract

Raynaud's phenomenon can be idiopathic (Raynaud's disease) and is found in healthy individuals or secondary to various conditions. Our perception of Raynaud's phenomenon has made a clear progression, partly due to a more useful set of diagnostic criteria for those rheumatic inflammatory diseases which are autoimmune. When it is unilateral, a vascular cause is generally found. When it is bilateral, there is usually an association with a systemic disorder. Laboratory investigation should be undertaken only if the physical findings suggest it. The etiology of Raynaud's disease remains unknown. Medications proposed for its treatment are aimed at suppressing adrenergic neuronal activity of the sympathetic nervous system (reserpine, guanethidine, methyldopa) or suppressing alpha receptor activity (phenoxybenzamine, prazosin) or stimulating beta receptor activity (isoxsuprine, terbutaline).