How Does a Doctor Diagnose Raynauds Phenomenon?
If a doctor suspects Raynaud’s phenomenon, he or she will ask the patient for a detailed medical history. The doctor will then examine the patient to rule out other medical problems. The patient might have a vasospastic attack during the office visit, which makes it easier for the doctor to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon. Most doctors find it fairly easy to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon but more difficult to identify the form of the disorder. (See the box for the criteria doctors use to diagnose primary or secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon.) Nailfold capillaroscopy (study of capillaries under a microscope) can help the doctor distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. During this test, the doctor puts a drop of oil on the patient’s nailfolds, the skin at the base of the fingernail. The doctor then examines the nailfolds under a microscope to look for abnormalities of the tiny blood vessels called capillaries. If the capillaries are enlarged or deformed, the patient may
