Is the vasospasm of Raynauds Phenomenon restricted to digital vessels?
RP predominantly affects acral sites involved in thermoregulation, but studies in patients with secondary RP have implicated vasospasm of the coronary arteries and vasculature supplying additional internal organs as well. Studies in SSc specifically have identified reversible depressions in coronary perfusion and myocardial function in response to cold challenge that are ameliorated with CCB therapy. CCB therapy has also been associated with a 50% reduction in the development of left ventricular dysfunction among a large retrospective cohort of SSc (>7000 patients), suggesting a possible role for chronic coronary vasospasm as a contributor to cardiac disease. However, additional studies to assess causality are needed.
