[Value of digital plethysmography in the positive diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of digital arteriopathies]. / Intérêt de la pléthysmographie digitale pour le diagnostic positif et l'évaluation pronostique des artériopathies digitales.

ABSTRACT

Maximal digital pulse (M.D.P.) is measured by digital plethysmographic technic with strain gauge. Our normal values are 0.19 +/- 0.06% delta V. Diagnostic and prognostic significance of this parameter were studied on ten patients with digital necrosis. An arteriography of the hand was performed in each case. We have demonstrated that any value of P.D.M. below 0.10% delta V was always correlated with digital arteriopathy and with high risk of trophic complications. A normal value didn't exclude an arteriopathy. However, in these cases, the risk of trophic complications was get off.