Angiography in the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite.
Five patients with frostbite injury were studied by selective angiography and treated by selective intra-arterial application of reserpine with follow-up angiography two days later. Control angiograms showed various degrees of vascular spasm as well as organic stenosis and occlusion. Intra-arterial reserpine produced dramatic subsiding of vasospasm, as evidenced by angiography and relief of clinical symptoms. Complete healing without tissue loss occurred in 4 patients. Amputation was necessary in one case, due at least in part to pre-existing peripheral atherosclerotic disease. Selective angiography was found to contribute significantly to both the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite injury.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005627:Frostbite / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012110:Reserpine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012110:Reserpine