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Rick Waldo, MD

JAMA. 1979;241(10):1037.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

EPISODIC digital vasospasm, Raynaud's phenomenon, is a poorly understood pathophysiological phenomenon involving the small arteries and arterioles in the hands, the feet, and occasionally the face. It is differentiated from Raynaud's disease, defined as digital vasospasm for lack of identifiable associated disorders.

Numerous therapeutic approaches to episodic digital ischemia have been used, with inconsistent results. Prazosin, a recently released antihypertensive agent, provided clinical improvement in a patient with severe unilateral Raynaud's disease.

Report of a Case

A 60-year-old woman had an 18-month history of painful episodes of tingling and blue discoloration in the fingers of her right hand. These episodes were often precipitated by exposure to cold, were exacerbated by anxiety, and occurred up to ten times daily. The symptoms progressed in intensity despite abstinence from tobacco, and after five months a large ischemic ulcer appeared on the tip of her right index finger. Vasodilator therapy and a right transaxillary . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to 7777 Forest Lane, Suite 303, Dallas, TX 75230 (Dr Waldo).

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