Raynaud's phenomenon: epidemiology and risk factors.

Although originally described more than 100 years ago, the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) remains incompletely understood. Epidemiologic studies have the potential to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of RP and to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Such studies require standardized instruments to accurately identify subjects with RP. Dr. Maricq was the first to develop and validate a standardized instrument to classify patients with this disorder. Her work has facilitated many of the epidemiologic studies of RP that are discussed in this review.