Which condition is characterized by color changes in the digits due to vasospasm triggered by cold or emotional stress?

Which condition is characterized by color changes in the digits due to vasospasm triggered by cold or emotional stress?

• A. Raynaud's phenomenon
• B. Vasculitis
• C. Cold urticaria
• D. Peripheral neuropathy

Answer: (A)

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder of the digits triggered by cold or emotional stress, causing characteristic color changes as blood flow to the fingers/toes alternates. The typical sequence is pale (white) from ischemia, then blue (cyanosis) as deoxygenated blood pools, followed by red (rubor) when circulation returns. This triphasic color pattern reflects episodic narrowing of digital arteries and arterioles, not inflammation or nerve damage. Vasculitis involves vessel inflammation with more constant skin findings and potential ulcers; cold urticaria presents as hives after cold exposure rather than a specific color-change sequence; peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or weakness without the hallmark vasospastic color changes.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder of the digits triggered by cold or emotional stress, causing characteristic color changes as blood flow to the fingers/toes alternates. The typical sequence is pale (white) from ischemia, then blue (cyanosis) as deoxygenated blood pools, followed by red (rubor) when circulation returns. This triphasic color pattern reflects episodic narrowing of digital arteries and arterioles, not inflammation or nerve damage.

Vasculitis involves vessel inflammation with more constant skin findings and potential ulcers; cold urticaria presents as hives after cold exposure rather than a specific color-change sequence; peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or weakness without the hallmark vasospastic color changes.