Vascular Insufficiency/Chronic Ischemia in the Upper Extremity-Noninvasive Evaluation of Upper-Extremity Vascular Perfusion

Noninvasive Evaluation of Upper-Extremity Vascular Perfusion

Pdf Summary

This review article discusses the noninvasive evaluation of upper-extremity vascular perfusion. The authors emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes a good history and physical examination, laboratory testing, and specialized vascular laboratory studies to detect and manage vascular disorders of the upper extremity. The paper reviews the currently available noninvasive modalities for the evaluation of upper-extremity perfusion, such as Doppler evaluation, laser Doppler fluxmetry, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, segmental arterial pressures, digital plethysmography, cutaneous surface temperature, isolated cold stress testing, nailfold capillaroscopy, ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, and arteriography. The authors provide a detailed explanation of each modality, its advantages, limitations, and clinical applications. They stress the need for a combination of these techniques to identify both structural and functional abnormalities and guide treatment algorithms. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the noninvasive evaluation techniques for upper-extremity vascular perfusion, offering valuable insights for clinicians in their diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Keywords

noninvasive evaluation

upper-extremity vascular perfusion

comprehensive approach

vascular disorders

noninvasive modalities

Doppler evaluation

ultrasound

magnetic resonance angiography

computed tomography angiography

treatment algorithms