Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
Raynaud phenomenon is most commonly seen in patients with which medical condition?
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Connective tissue disease
Coronary artery disease
The correct answer is: Connective tissue disease
Raynaud phenomenon is most commonly associated with connective tissue diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In these conditions, the immune system can lead to vascular inflammation and damage, resulting in the narrowing of blood vessels, particularly in the fingers and toes, which is characteristic of Raynaud phenomenon. This vasospasm causes episodes of reduced blood flow, leading to symptoms like color changes in digits, numbness, and pain, typically triggered by cold or stress. While diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease can affect vascular health, they are not primarily associated with the distinct vasospastic episodes seen in Raynaud phenomenon. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy and vascular complications, but it does not typically cause the episodic vasospasm characteristic of Raynaud. Similarly, although hypertension affects blood vessel function, it does not relate directly to the specific pathophysiological mechanisms of Raynaud. Lastly, coronary artery disease mainly pertains to the heart and largest vessels and does not correlate with the peripheral circulatory changes seen in Raynaud phenomenon. Thus, the association with connective tissue disease is the most accurate in the context of this question.