Microcirculation disorders of the oral cavity in patients with primary Raynaud phenomenon

INTRODUCTION Raynaud phenomenon is a medical condition in which the spasm of the arteries causes episodes of reduced blood flow. Potential disorders in the microcirculation of the oral mucosa may promote the occurrence of lesions.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the frequency of oral cavity lesions with oral microcirculatory dysfunction in patients with primary Raynaud phenomenon (PRP) in comparison with healthy control group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS Measurements of oral capillary flow were performed using laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) in 61 patients with PRP. In a group of 31 of 61 patients (group 1), the measurements were made during a Raynaud phenomenon (RP) attack. The RP attack was caused by stress initiated by the examination or the first visit itself. The RP attack was not deliberately caused by a cold test, vibration40w56 or any stress test. After 10 to 14 days, the measurements were repeated in all 61 patients and in the control group, and a dental examination was performed. Follow‑up visits were conducted every 3 months for a period of 12 months to monitor oral mucosa.

RESULTS Differences in LDF were found between various anatomical points in both the PRP and control groups. On the first visit, the LDF flow in group 1 was significantly lower at all examined points in comparison with those in the control group. On the second visit, differences were observed in the LDF of the teeth and oral mucosa temperature in all patients with PRP in comparison with controls. Oral cavity lesions reported in the past and at follow‑up were significantly more common in patients with PRP.

CONCLUSIONS Patients with PRP have dysfunction in the microcirculation of the oral mucosa and they more often have lesions in the oral cavity.