Upper limb ischaemia - a single centre experience.
BACKGROUND
This paper reviews the epidemiology, aetiology and management of upper limb ischaemia in a series of 8 patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre over a 4-year period and the review of the pertinent literature.


METHODS
Details of patients admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) due to critical ischaemia of the upper limbs were obtained from admission summaries through the Computerised Patient Support System (CPSS) and operative notes through LOTUS.


RESULTS
There were 8 patients who presented with upper limb ischaemia excluding trauma and iatrogenic causes over the last 4 years. All patients underwent embolectomy. One patient had an amputation post-embolectomy. Our short-term results were encouraging with 7 patients who were well enough to be discharged. One patient had a massive brainstem stroke and was discharged home for comfort care at the request of the family.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful physical examination and history taking, prompt recognition of upper limb ischaemia and active approach to management in the form of embolectomy are crucial in obtaining a good outcome and reducing the risk of late disabling effects.
Bang
Shieh Ling
SL
Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Nalachandran
Sanjay
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002404:Catheterization; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D017128:Embolectomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*
D000925:Anticoagulants