Raynaud's phenomenon in arterial occlusive disease.

In 22 hands with arterial occlusive disease, systolic blood pressure in all fingers was measured by photoelectric plethysmography. The correlation of digital pressures with the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon and angiographic evidence of organic obstruction was studied. Digital pressures were significantly lowered in 70 of the 75 fingers (93%) with cold sensitivity. In 34 of 35 fingers (97%) without Raynaud's phenomenon, normal finger pressures were measured. Digital blood pressures were always normal in fingers with obstruction on only one side to and through the finger. The clinical significance of measurement of digital blood pressure in arterial occlusive disease is discussed.