Other Secondary Causes

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) in the majority of patients is idiopathic (primary RP; PRP); however in approximately 10–20% of patients there is an underlying driving aetiology (secondary RP; SRP). Recognition of SRP (unlike PRP) is of utmost importance as it may progress to irreversible tissue damage and alert the physician to the presence of an underlying serious disease process. RP secondary to connective tissue disease has been discussed in a previous chapter. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the evidence base for the “other” widely recognised causes of SRP (Table 9.1), namely, carpal tunnel syndrome, drugs and toxins, metabolic, haematological abnormalities, malignancy-related, trauma and occupational exposures.