[Raynaud's phenomenon. A literature review of recent aspects (author's transl)].

A large number of etiologies are hidden in the Raynaud Phenomenon, yet the clinical picture is quite uniform and shows particularly graded differences. Our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism is incomplete. Neural, local, humoral and central nervous factors seem to play a role. A better understanding of these principles and their interplay is an essential condition for effective therapy. The present work attempts to summarize the results of recent research into the pathophysiology of the process and to relate them with modern forms of treatment which try to find a causal approach.