Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Division of Vascular Surgery

Contact Us New & Existing Patients If you'd like to schedule an appointment, call us at 585-341-7030. Referring Physicians To refer a patient for a consultation, call us at 585-341-7030.

Digital Artery Conditions (Raynaud's Phenomenon)

What are Digital Artery Conditions?

Also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, these are disorders in which the fingers or toes suddenly lose blood circulation (usually in response to cold). The digits (fingers or toes) change color, from white, to blue, then red.

There are two types of this condition:

• Raynaud’s disease is one type, and is not associated with any other medical problem. 9 out of 10 cases of Raynaud's disease occur in women.
  
  
• Secondary digital artery condition is more complicated, often more severe, It is caused by to another medical condition, such as scleroderma, atherosclerosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, nervous system disorders, blood disorders, frostbite, injury, or the use of certain medications.

• Causes and risk factors for digital artery conditions

Symptoms of Digital Artery Conditions

The attacks can last from less than a minute to several hours. There are typically three phases of symptoms:

• First, the digits turn pale (as blood flow decreases)
• Secondly, the digits turn bluish and feel cold and numb (from lack of oxygen)
• Lastly, the vessels reopen causing the digits to turn red and throb painfully

Initially, the only the tips of fingers or toes may be affected, but if the condition progresses, the entire digit may be affected. In rare instances, Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur in other areas of the body (nose, ears or tongue). In the most serious cases, the digits can develop deep sores or gangrene.

• Antinuclear antibody blood test (ANA)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Nailfold capillary study (a drop of oil is placed on the skin at the base of the fingernail, then the capillaries can be studied through a microscope looking for abnormal patterns which would indicate connective tissue disease)
• Cold stimulation test
  

Treatment Options

Although there is no way to prevent Raynaud's phenomenon, steps can be taken to reduce the severity and frequency of episodes. The first directions of treatment are to avoid things that may trigger episodes. Some suggestions:

• Stay warm - Keep hands and feet covered in cold weather;
• Protect fingers and toes from injury and infection
• Don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• If your health care provider suspects a prescription medication may be triggering symptoms, an alternative medication may be prescribed

About half of patients with Raynaud's disease will improve with these simple precautions and never require further treatment.

For a more serious case of digital artery condition, medication to keep the blood vessels in the digits open. In a case of Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon, treatment of the underlying condition often helps control the Raynaud's phenomenon as well.

Rarely, with severe Raynaud's phenomenon, surgery may be recommended. Surgery includes:

• Digital sympathectomy (remove the nerves that cause the blood vessels to constrict)