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Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by blood vessel spasms in the fingers, toes, ears or nose, usually brought on by exposure to cold. Raynaud's phenomenon and Raynaud's disease, a similar disorder, may occur on their own or they may be associated with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma.

Reviewed last on: 5/31/2009
Mark James Borigini, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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