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Painful Digital Ulcers in a Scleroderma Patient with Raynaud’s Phenomenon

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Abstract

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is seen in over 95% of patients with SSc and is often the first symptom of the disease. Scleroderma vascular disease is secondary to an obliterative vasculopathy causing not only vasospasm but also structural disease of the involved vessels. Digital ulcers are representative of vascular involvement in scleroderma and occur in about 30–50% of patients with scleroderma. The primary goal in the management of RP is the prevention of digital ischemia through the use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures. In the setting of acute digital ischemia, rapid intervention using both treatment modalities is required. This case illustrates the problem of RP and digital ischemia and the approach to management.

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Wigley, F.M., Wung, P.K. (2011). Painful Digital Ulcers in a Scleroderma Patient with Raynaud’s Phenomenon. In: Silver, R., Denton, C. (eds) Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_10

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