Definition, Nomenclature, and Diagnostic Criteria

The term Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is unusual within the pantheon of medical eponyms in that it describes a symptom complex rather than a distinct medical syndrome in its own right. This state of affairs can be traced back to the original treatise of Maurice Raynaud himself, who by bringing together a disparate group of cases of digital vasculopathy of various etiopathogenesis, inadvertently attached his name to virtually any pathology resulting in digital vascular compromise. RP represents a common complaint in clinical practice, particularly among patients with rheumatic diseases. From its original description in the nineteenth century different definitions have been proposed. We have settled on a nomenclature that defines primary RP when no known disease is diagnosed, while the term secondary RP is applied when an underlying disease can be readily diagnosed. This classification appears to satisfy the needs of the physician in practice, but may result in insufficient investigation, inappropriate intervention, and diagnostic delay for the patient. In light of its episodic nature and intrinsic relationship with cold exposure, a clinical assessment by history and examination remains the gold standard for making a diagnosis.