Pathogenesis of RP
The pathogenesis of RP involves a complex interplay between
genetic, neural, vascular and intravascular factors.Although a
detailed review of the pathogenesis of RP is beyond the scope of this
review, an overview of the key pathogenetic mechanisms informs
a systematic approach to both the assessment and management
of RP. We will highlight the main pathogenic mechanisms that have
been implicated in PRP and/or SSc-RP to date. Contributory mechanisms which
have been implicated in the pathogenesis of RP include (but are
not limited to) platelet and white cell activation, red cell structural
deformity and defective fibrinolysis.2