title: Upper limb emboli: a reappraisal.
abstract: Upper limb embolus cannot be regarded as a benign condition, with invariable recovery due to copious collateral circulation. Gangrene of the upper limb may occur, as shown in the series of cases in this report. The overall mortality rate remains considerable, because of associated cardiac disease, recurrent embolism, or both. Emboli proximal to the origin of the profunda brachii artery represent a group associated with higher risk, for which prompt embolectomy is often indicated. In embolism due to subclavian aneurysm and with thrombosis, arterial reconstruction should be undertaken, for multiple recurrence is likely. Long-term anticoagulant therapy is usually required to try to prevent recurrence of embolism if the primary source of the embolus remains.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D001366:Axillary Artery; D001916:Brachial Artery; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013348:Subclavian Artery
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin