[A rare case of cannabis arteritis].

A 24-year old woman, heavy cannabis smoker with progressive Raynauld's phenomenon and digital necrosis is presented. Systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue disorders as well as arteriosclerosis and arterial emboli were excluded with appropriate laboratory examinations. Arteriography revealed multiple forearm, palmar and digital occlusions with corkscrew-shaped vessels. Based on these characteristic arteriography and clinical findings, the diagnosis of cannabis-arteritis was finally retained. With careful necrectomy, conservative wound dressings and secondary prostacyclin therapy a complete healing of digital necrosis was observed. There was no recurrence during the 6 month-follow-up. This observation demonstrates that cannabis may represent a possible cofactor in the pathogenesis of arteritis in young smokers. Early recognition is important to avoid irreversible complications such as loss of digits.