Late-onset Raynaud's syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

A mild form of Raynaud's syndrome probably affects a significant percentage of the general population, apparently without serious sequelae. However, the patient with episodic digital ischemia who seeks medical attention is likely to have an identifiable associated disorder and a thorough evaluation is warranted. Autoimmune connective tissue disorder and atherosclerosis are the clinical conditions most frequently associated with Raynaud's syndrome. Conservative measures should be the mainstay of therapy.