Is axillary botulinum toxin efficient in controlling secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon? A case report

Abstract

Raynaud’s phenomenon when secondary to underlying systemic disease such as systemic sclerosis occurs early in the disease course and progression can bring significant morbidity such as pain, digital ulceration, and necrosis. Standard medical therapies are aimed at promoting distal arterial vasodilation but are often inadequate in managing Raynaud’s phenomenon. Options for refractory cases include surgical and chemical sympathectomy with Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) hand injections but the latter can be associated with transient hand weakness. We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and concomitant primary focal axillary hyperhidrosis for which she received axillary BoNT/A therapy every 6 months who noted significant improvement in her Raynaud’s phenomenon and hand arthralgias for 5 months following the axillary injections. This effect remained durable after 24 months of therapy. This improvement in Raynaud’s phenomenon after axillary BoNT/A has not been previously described.