Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a vasospastic condition often elicited by cold exposure and emotional stress, resulting in pallor, cyanosis and rubor of acral parts. Although there is still much controversy surrounding the underlying mechanism of RP, most investigators feel that failure of vasodilatation rather than sympathetic over activity plays the major role. The pathophysiology of RP remains poorly understood, in spite of various suggested possible mechanisims. When RP occurs without the development of an underlying disease or condition, the term primary RP is most commonly used. If there is an underlying disease the term secondary RP is used. In the treatment of RP a lot of drugs can be used.
Key words: Raynaud's phenomenon, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment.
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