How Does a Doctor Diagnose Raynaud’s Syndrome?

A doctor, when ruling out Raynaud’s syndrome, will take a detailed medical history of the patient. He or she will ask many questions to try to identify any other existing medical conditions that may or may not be related to the disease.

If the patient experiences a vasoconstriction attack during the medical visit, it may be easier for the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. What is not so easy, however, is to determine whether the condition belongs in the primary or secondary classification.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy

During this test, the doctor will place a drop of oil on the patient’s nailfold, that is, the skin at the base of the fingernail. Then the doctor will examine the nailfolds under a microscope to uncover any abnormalities in the tiny capillaries within the nailfold. If the capillaries show as enlarged or deformed, a connective tissue disease may be indicated.

Blood Tests

There are twp specific blood tests that the doctor may also order: an antinuclear antibody test (ANA) and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The ANA test reveals whether the body is producing special proteins (antibodies) often found in people who have connective tissue diseases or other autoimmune disorders. The ESR test measures for any elevated ESR, which indicates an inflammation in the body by showing the speed at which red blood cells settle out of unclotted blood.

Diagnostic Criteria for Raynaud’s Syndrome

Primary Raynaud’s Syndrome

* Periodic vasospastic attacks of pallor or cyanosis (some doctors include the additional criterion of the presence of these attacks for at least 2 years)

* Normal nailfold capillary pattern

* Negative antinuclear antibody test

* Normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate

* Absence of pitting scars or ulcers of the skin, or gangrene (tissue death) in the fingers or toes

Secondary Raynaud’s Syndrome

* Periodic vasospastic attacks of pallor and cyanosis

* Abnormal nailfold capillary pattern

* Positive antinuclear antibody test

* Abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate

* Presence of pitting scars or ulcers of the skin, or gangrene in the fingers or toes

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