Differential Diagnosis for Raynaud's Phenomenon
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon: This is the most common cause of Raynaud's phenomenon, characterized by episodic vasospasm of the arteries supplying the fingers and toes, typically triggered by cold or stress. It is often seen in young women and has no underlying associated disease.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon. It often presents with skin thickening, esophageal dysmotility, and pulmonary hypertension.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with other symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney disease.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with joint pain, swelling, and deformity.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans): A rare disease characterized by inflammation and thrombosis of small and medium-sized arteries, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with ischemic pain and gangrene.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition characterized by decreased thyroid hormone production, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
- Carcinoid Syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: A rare genetic disorder characterized by mineralization and fragmentation of elastic fibers, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with skin and eye abnormalities.
- Cold Agglutinin Disease: A rare condition characterized by the production of autoantibodies that agglutinate red blood cells at cold temperatures, which can cause Raynaud's phenomenon, along with hemolytic anemia.