Case Report
Raynaud’s Phenomenon of Occupational Origin Caused by Bush-cutter Equipment Mounted on a Tractor

Tibor Kákosy, János Martin, Marianna Lászlóffy, Attila Székely

National Institute of Occupational Health, Budapest, Hungary

(1)Corresponding author: Tibor Kákosy MD., Ph.D.
Nagyvárad-tér 1. 1096 Budapest, Hungary

Abbreviations:
    HAVE: Hand-arm vibration exposure
    HAVS: Hand-arm vibration syndrome
    Rph.: Raynaud’s phenomenon

CEJOEM 1996;2(4):387-390


Abstract: Authors observed Raynaud’s phenomenon verified by cold-provocation test and measuring finger systolic blood pressure in a man driving a tractor installed with bush-cutter equipment for 5 years. Vibration measurements carried out on the steering wheel of the tractor showed acceleration superior to maximum allowable level according to Standard ISO 5349. Other causes of a secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon were excluded by means of detailed internal examination. Based on the clinical finding and on the exposure data and lack of other ethiological factors the authors think that the patient had vibration-induced Raynaud’s phenomenon. They want to draw the attention to this so far unknown form of the hand-arm vibration exposure. In addition they propose vibration measurements on the steering wheel of the engine when it is equipped with any adapter because in this case the vibration can change.

Key words: Hand-arm vibration, Raynaud’s phenomenon, bush-cutting equipment


Received: 08 October 1996
Accepted: 01 November 1996
Posted: 31 May 2000
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