BLACK FRIDAY SALE ✨ SAVE UP TO 45% OFF NOW
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Autoimmune Disorders
/
Raynaud Phenomenon Diagnosis and Management

Master Raynaud Phenomenon Diagnosis and Management with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Raynaud Phenomenon Diagnosis and Management

Raynaud Phenomenon Diagnosis and Management

Blue Rain-cloud Diagnostic-computer and Manager
DikeHAfifi
Raynaud phenomenon is diagnosed with nailfold capillary microscopy, complete blood count (CBC), and autoimmune antibodies. It can be treated by avoiding triggers, smoking cessation, nifedipine, and topical nitroglycerin.
7 KEY FACTS
DIAGNOSIS
Nailfold Capillary Microscopy
Nailfold Caterpillar Microscope

Nailfold capillary microscopy (capillaroscopy) can help in diagnosing Raynaud's. This is the gold-standard. It is a quick, cheap, non-invasive test that helps differentiate between primary and secondary Raynaud's. Patients with primary Raynaud's will typically have normal results. On the other hand, patients with secondary Raynaud's often show abnormal findings like enlarged capillaries and microhemorrhages. Later stages can show loss of capillaries and disorganized vascular architecture.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood Cell Count-dracula

Complete blood count helps to differentiate primary Raynaud phenomenon from other suspected causes, such as polycythemic syndromes, malignancies, and autoimmune disorders. Findings may include anemia or thrombocytopenia.

Antibody Testing
Ant-tie-body

Measurement of antibodies in patients with Raynaud's can assist in determining if the disease is autoimmune in nature. Antibody profiles that can be checked include antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-RNA polymerase III, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Smith, anti-ribonucleoprotein, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Scl-70, anti-fibrillarin, anti-Pm-Scl, and anti-centromere. Antinuclear antibodies should be tested first.

MANAGEMENT
Avoid Triggers
Avoid-sign with Trigger

Educating patients to avoid triggers is important. This may include avoiding the cold, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Medications such as ergotamines, amphetamines, and chemotherapeutic agents can also act as triggers.

Smoking Cessation
No Smoking Sign

Smoking may exacerbate symptoms of Raynaud Phenomenon. Endothelial injury and elevated blood viscosity are proposed mechanisms for this association. Smoking cessation is paramount in the management of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Nifedipine
Knife-dipping

Nifedipine is the first choice for treating Raynaud phenomenon due to its potent vasodilatory effect, especially in cases refractory to non-pharmacological management. It is a calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine), and has been proven to reduce severity and number of attacks in patients. Patients should have a log of blood pressure and note the frequency and severity of attacks so that healthcare providers can monitor the patient's response to treatment.

Topical Nitroglycerin
Topical Nitro-glacier

Topical nitroglycerin (1% or 2%) helps to increase blood flow to the fingers. Topical nitrate is metabolized by aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing nitric oxide formation, leading to vasodilation. Side effects include headache and dizziness.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Raynaud Phenomenon Characteristics and Presentation
picmonic thumbnail
Anticentromere Antibodies
picmonic thumbnail
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Diagnosis and Clinical Features
picmonic thumbnail
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Mechanism, Treatment and Complications
picmonic thumbnail
Antihistone Antibodies

Take the Raynaud Phenomenon Diagnosis and Management Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,980,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.