Which statement is true of primary Raynaud's phenomenon?

• A. Well palpable peripheral pulses
• B. No finger ulcers or gangrene
• C. Normal capillaroscopic image
• D. All three

Answer: (C)

Primary Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic disorder without an underlying connective-tissue disease. The most distinctive finding is a normal nailfold capillaroscopy pattern, meaning the capillaries look regular with no dilated loops, hemorrhages, or capillary dropout. This normal image helps differentiate primary RP from secondary causes, where capillaroscopy shows characteristic microvascular abnormalities. While well palpable peripheral pulses and absence of finger ulcers or gangrene are common in primary RP, they are not as diagnostic because they can occur in other conditions as well; the key feature that identifies primary RP is the normal capillaroscopic image.