Role of the vascular surgeon in the treatment of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, literature review and endovascular management proposal

Abstract

Raynaud´s phenomenon is a very common condition, usually little investigated due to its benign nature, however, when talking about Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, the situation can become very serious and even compromise the integrity of the extremities, it is then when it is important to know the multidisciplinary team that can and should intervene, as well as the treatment alternatives both medical, surgical and endovascular, this is where the extremely important role of the vascular surgeon in this condition comes in. A search was carried out in the main search engines of medical research (Pubmed, Ebsco host, Clinical key, Cochrane, and Springer Link) focused on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon, finding most of the bibliography in dermatology, rheumatology, plastic surgery and to a lesser extent angiology and vascular surgery. And share the experience we have had in endovascular management and its long-term results. We select about 45 papers from different topics for made this recompilation trying to include the different approaches by specialty and emphasize in the management that the vascular surgeon could offer and present the experience obtained in some patients in our hospital. Secondary Raynaud´s phenomenon can be a mutilating condition that is usually managed exclusively by rheumatology and dermatology, however in selected (complex) cases the intervention of the vascular surgeon can make a difference in the integrity of the limbs and the quality of life of our patients.