Blood vessel spasms that cause skin discoloration
Vasospastic disorders are spasms in the arteries that cause them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the arms and legs. The disorder is often experienced as a response to cold or stress. Raynaud’s phenomenon and raynaud’s disease are the most common vasospastic disorders.
Our vascular and endovascular program provides advanced treatments for vasospastic disorders.
Many vasospastic disorders do not have an underlying cause, but some can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as:
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Arterial disease
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Connective tissue disorders
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Endocrine disease
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Response to medication or drug therapy
What are the symptoms of vasospastic disorders?
If you have a vasospastic disorder, you may experience:
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Blistering of the skin
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Cold skin on your fingers or toes
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Discoloration of the skin
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Lacelike rash
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Redness or pain when the skin is exposed to warmth
Tests
Diagnosing a vasospastic disorder is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Angiogram (Angiography)
An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.
Arterial duplex ultrasound for arms and legs
Arterial duplex ultrasound uses doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Pulse Volume Recording
Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.
Treatments
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific condition and any underlying conditions. It may include lifestyle modifications, medication, or more advanced treatments.
Venous disease treatments
Venous disease treatment may include medications, minimally invasive and surgical procedures to improve blood flow and circulation.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Othman Mohamed-Asem Abdul-Malak, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Cameron M. Akbari, MD, MBA
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin Crawley, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Dawn Ellen Golus, CRNP, ACNP-BC
Thoracic Surgery
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Keith Marshall Horton, MD
Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology & Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Neil D Majmundar, MD
Emergency Medicine
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Dana Lurae Parker, ANP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Mark O'Brien Peeler, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Stephen Fulvio Stanziale, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren M. Storey, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Ahmad Abu-Ghaida, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Rashad Imran Majeed, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Sajid Hussain Shah, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Additional information
Vascular and Endovascular Program
Partner with a recognized leader in offering care ranging from straightforward vascular disease to the most complex vascular disorders.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.