[Angiography detection of closed palmar arcs].
OBJECTIVE
Angiographic evaluation of the prevalence of an anastomosis between the superficial and deep palmer arcs in our patients.


METHODS
Between January 1st 1991 and December 31st 1997, all selectively performed angiographies of the upper extremities were evaluated retrospectively with special focus on an anastomosis between the superficial palmer arc (SPA) and the deep palmer arc (DPA). The indications for performing a selective angiography of the upper extremity were presurgical planning of a skin/muscle transplantation (n = 42), creation of a hemodialysis fistula (n = 4) and evaluation of vascular diseases such as vasculitis (n = 9), peripheral occlusive disease (n = 3) and M. Winiwarter-Buerger (n = 8).


RESULTS
66 selective angiographies of the palm of 60 patients (39 male, 21 female, mean age 52 years old) could be used for evaluation. Angiographies of both hands were performed in 6 patients. Closed superficial palmar arcs and closed deep palmar arcs were detected in 31.8% and 84.8% of the patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of anastomosed superficial and deep palmar arcs in our study are comparable with those of former angiographic investigations, but they are considerably lower than the rates based on anatomical or sonographical studies. Reasons for the discrepancy are discussed.
Rauch
D
D
Abteilung Strahlendiagnostik, Klinikum der Philipps-Universität Marburg.
Fischer
C
C
Achenbach
S
S
Klose
K J
KJ
Wagner
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*