Raynaud's syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis is best described as?

• A. Diminished blood supply to extremities resulting in discoloration due to extreme temperatures or stress
• B. Increased blood flow to the extremities
• C. Painful ulcers on digits
• D. Numbness without color change

Answer: (A)

Raynaud phenomenon is an exaggerated vasospastic response of the digital arteries to cold or emotional stress. In rheumatoid arthritis this is considered secondary Raynaud, where an underlying inflammatory disease contributes to the effect. The digital arteries constrict, sharply reducing blood flow to the fingers or toes, which produces the classic color sequence: pale (white) from ischemia, blue from deoxygenation, and red when blood flow returns. This describes diminished blood supply with discoloration triggered by cold or stress, which is exactly what the option states. It’s not about increased blood flow, and while numbness can occur, the hallmark is the color change due to vasospasm. In severe cases, ulcers can develop, but the defining feature is the episodic vasospastic discoloration.