comparison of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Last reviewed 05/2023

  • primary RP - generally begins during the teens and early 20's; represents an exaggerated physiological response to cold stimuli (1); not generally associated with any other disease entity
    • symmetrical involvement
    • no tissue necrosis or gangrene
    • ESR normal
    • normal nail fold capillaries
    • negative for anti nuclear antibodies (2,4)

  • secondary RP - the development of RP at an older age (i.e. > 30 years), and particularly in males, suggests the possibility that RP is secondary to some underlying connective tissue disease (CTD) (1). RP occurs in over 90% of patients with systemic sclerosis and in up to 40% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and idiopathic inflammatory myositis(1). Features that make a secondary cause of RP more likely include:
    • digital ulceration, or year-round symptoms
    • pain and discomfort is higher in severity
    • abnormal nail fold capillaries (viewed with an ophthalmoscope with the +20 lens)
    • assymetric upper limb pulses or bruits
    • puffiness/tightness of the finger skin
    • a raised ESR
    • positive ANA or other antibodies (Ro/La/Scl-70 etc)
    • clinical features suggestive of an underlying connective tissue disease (3,4)

Reference: