[Chrono-thermometry in the diagnosis of Raynaud-like vasculopathies caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools].

Raynaud's phenomenon may be secondary to several different pathological conditions. In some cases it is favoured by occupational exposure to vibration of the upper arms. The diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon requires clinical information together with specific technical investigations. This report presents the results of 232 chrono-thermometric tests performed on 157 workers exposed to vibrations during the use of different kinds of tools. Seventy-five subjects not exposed to vibrations of the upper arms but with suspected Raynaud's syndrome were also tested. Chrono-thermometry enabled us to distinguish between three different subgroups of subjects exposed to vibrations: 61 workers with "normal" chrono-thermometry, 33 subjects with "pathological" vascular reactivity to cold in some fingers and 63 workers with such reactivity in all fingers. Similarly the 75 patients not exposed to vibration could also be divided into three groups. No statistical difference was found between the chrono-thermometric results obtained from the exposed and non-exposed subjects when divided into the three subgroups. The overall analysis of the combined results of the different kinds of tests (capillaroscopy plus a vascular reactivity test) is discussed.