What disease is characterized by ischemia of the fingers or toes?

What disease is characterized by ischemia of the fingers or toes?

• A. Peripheral artery disease
• B. Raynaud's disease
• C. Diabetic neuropathy
• D. Fibromyalgia

Answer: (B)

Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of ischemia, or reduced blood flow, to the fingers and toes, typically triggered by cold temperatures or stress. During these episodes, affected areas may become pale or bluish, and individuals might experience sensations such as numbness or tingling. The primary mechanism involves vasospasm of the small blood vessels in the extremities, leading to temporary constriction and subsequent ischemia. In contrast, while peripheral artery disease also involves issues related to blood flow, it typically affects larger arteries and is associated more with claudication and pain during physical activity rather than specific episodes triggered by temperature or stress. Diabetic neuropathy focuses on nerve damage related to diabetes, without direct ischemic episodes affecting the extremities in the same manner. Fibromyalgia primarily involves widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, but it does not specifically cause ischemia of the fingers or toes. Thus, Raynaud's disease distinctly relates to the described condition of ischemia in the fingers or toes.

Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of ischemia, or reduced blood flow, to the fingers and toes, typically triggered by cold temperatures or stress. During these episodes, affected areas may become pale or bluish, and individuals might experience sensations such as numbness or tingling. The primary mechanism involves vasospasm of the small blood vessels in the extremities, leading to temporary constriction and subsequent ischemia.

In contrast, while peripheral artery disease also involves issues related to blood flow, it typically affects larger arteries and is associated more with claudication and pain during physical activity rather than specific episodes triggered by temperature or stress. Diabetic neuropathy focuses on nerve damage related to diabetes, without direct ischemic episodes affecting the extremities in the same manner. Fibromyalgia primarily involves widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, but it does not specifically cause ischemia of the fingers or toes.

Thus, Raynaud's disease distinctly relates to the described condition of ischemia in the fingers or toes.