Exaggerated vasoconstriction of digital arteries and/or arterioles describes which condition?

• A. Raynaud phenomenon
• B. Varicose veins
• C. Buerger disease
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (A)

Raynaud phenomenon is marked by exaggerated vasoconstriction of the small arteries and arterioles supplying the digits in response to cold or stress. This vasospasm reduces blood flow, producing the classic color changes in the fingers and toes: pallor from reduced flow, blue from deoxygenation, and a red flush when blood return occurs. Some people feel numbness or pain during attacks. There are two forms—primary, without an underlying disease, and secondary, associated with conditions like connective tissue diseases. The other options describe different vascular problems: varicose veins involve dilation of veins, Buerger disease is an inflammatory occlusive process of small to medium arteries and veins usually in smokers, and an aneurysm is a dilation of an artery, not a vasospastic phenomenon.