Paraneoplastic Raynaud's phenomenon as sign of progression: a case report on a patient with breast cancer

Acta Clin Belg. 2022 Feb;77(1):122-125. doi: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1782055. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Abstract

Background: Paraneoplastic Raynaud's phenomenon is a rare complication occurring in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: We present a case of a patient with breast cancer and presenting with acrocyanosis evolving into necrosis as a paraneoplastic phenomenon in progressive breast cancer.

Results: Unless a multidisciplinary approach was taken, improvement of the symptoms was only seen with prostacyclin analogs, and cancer treatment needed to be changed because of rapidly progressing disease.

Conclusion: Paraneoplastic Raynaud's phenomenon is a rare but severe presentation of advanced and progressive cancer. Treatment with intravenous prostacyclin analogs should be considered and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary.

Keywords: Raynaud’s phenomenon; acrocyanosis; advanced cancer; breast cancer; paraneoplastic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Breast Neoplasms* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Necrosis
  • Raynaud Disease* / diagnosis
  • Raynaud Disease* / etiology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies