Laser Doppler anemometry distinguishes primary Raynaud phenomenon from VWF syndrome.

Objectives: We evaluated two microcirculatory function-tests, the Laser Doppler (LD)-Anemometry and the Laser Doppler Imager (LDI)-Flowmetry in their value to further elucidate functional behavior of the "Vibration-induced white finger syndrome" (VWF) and to distinguish between Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) of idiopathic or vibration origin.

Participants And Methods: Ninety-four patients, suffering from RP were studied (78 patients with primary RP and 16 patients with VWF). Measurement of blood cell velocity (BCV) before and after provocation was obtained by nailfold capillary microscopy and an included Laser detector ("Anemometry").