So called after Maurice Raynaud (1834–81), the Paris physician who published a thesis on the subject in 1862. This is a condition in which the circulation (see CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF THE BLOOD) becomes suddenly obstructed in outlying parts of the body. It is supposed to be due to spasm of the smaller arteries in the affected part, as the result of them responding abnormally to impulses from the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. Its effects are triggered by cold, by emotions and in some by diseases involving the blood vessels, such as SCLERODERMA.
The condition is most commonly confined to the fingers, toes, ears, or nose becoming white, numb, and waxy-looking, changing to blue and then red as the blood vessels progress from being closed down, to being starved of oxygen and then being reperfused with blood. It may last for some minutes, or may not pass off for several hours, or even for a day or two.
People who are subject to these attacks should be careful in winter to protect the feet and hands from cold, and should always use warm water when washing the hands. In addition, the whole body should be kept warm, as spasm of the arterioles in the feet and hands may be induced by chilling of the body. Sufferers should not smoke. VASODILATORS may be helpful, especially NIFEDIPINE. while for a few patients with debilitating attacks unresponsive to other treatment, surgery is sometimes advised in the form of sympathectomy: i.e. cutting of the sympathetic nerves to the affected part. This results in dilatation of the arterioles and hence an improved blood supply. This operation is more successful in the case of the feet than in the case of the hands.