Applications

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s Disease, also known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Raynaud’s Syndrome, is a fairly common disorder said to affect 3 – 20% of the population with symptoms including digital vasospasm of the extremities, capillary stagnation (resulting in discolouration), and finally reactive hyperaemia. These symptoms are commonly triggered by cold challenge or emotional stress. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many vascular diseases, including Raynaud’s Disease and can be easily assessed using laser Doppler techniques in combination with a cold challenge. Cold is normally applied by submerging the hand or foot in cold water. The hand or foot is normally kept dry with a polythene glove or bag and the patient instructed to keep the hand open and moving slowly to get the full impact of the stimulus. Note: The same tests can also be applied to assess cold sensitivity in patients suffering from vibration white finger (or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)), a secondary form of Raynaud’s.

Equipment Recommendations

Laser Doppler Monitoring

The advantage of moorVMS-LDF monitoring is that probes can remain in position, at any site, during the cold challenge so that immediate responses can be recorded (excluding the movement artefact caused by insertion of the hand into and out of gloves and water). Probes for this type of test include the standard VP1T skin probe with temperature measurement or the multi-fibre VP1T/7 probe for reduced coefficient of variance.

Laser Doppler Imaging

The advantage of laser Doppler imaging is that all digits and the dorsum can be measured simultaneously, particularly with the moorLDI2-IR imager. When imaging is required during cooling, air cooling is suggested, if a source of cold air is available.

Laser Doppler Imager
moorLDI2-IR

Large area, high resolution blood flow laser Doppler imaging

moorLDI2-IR | Laser Doppler Imager
Laser Doppler Monitor
moorVMS-LDF

Advanced, laser Doppler blood flow and temperature monitor

moorVMS-LDF2 | Laser Doppler Monitor

What Next?

Contact us to discuss your specific needs and to request your copy of our free Application Note which includes a detailed experimental method and practical suggestions. We also offer no obligation on-site visits so you can test the equipment in your facility.

References

Lafferty K, de Trafford JC, Roberts VC, Cotton LT. 1983
Raynaud's phenomenon and thermal entrainment: an objective test.
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed)., 286,(6359), pp 90-2
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Murray AK, Moore TL, King TA, Herrick AL. 2006
Abnormal microvascular response is localized to the digits in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Arthritis Rheum, 54, pp 1952–60
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Murray AK, Moore TL, Manning JB, Christopher Taylor C, Griffiths CEM and Herrick AL. 2009
Noninvasive Imaging Techniques in the Assessment of Scleroderma Spectrum Disorders.
Arthritis & Rheumatism (Arthritis Care & Research) 61, pp 1103–1111
Weblink