Current medical and surgical management of Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome (RS) is characterized by episodic digital ischemia induced by cold or emotional stress. Pathophysiologic mechanisms include temporary vasospasm and fixed digital artery obstruction. A number of pharmacologic and invasive therapies have been studied to treat RS symptoms; however, there are no specific treatments that are currently approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for RS. Of the available pharmacologic agents, calcium-channel blockers remain the preferred initial treatment for vasospastic RS, although many vasodilators have been studied and found to be efficacious. Vasodilators are less effective in treating digital artery obstruction, and no treatments have been found to be universally beneficial, although the phosphodiesterase V inhibitors have been gaining in popularity. Invasive therapies may have a role in selective cases. In this review, the current evidence of treatment for RS is summarized.