Blood flow changes in the forearm arteries after ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: An increase in blood flow in the forearm arteries has been reported after brachial plexus block (BPB). However, few studies have quantitatively analysed the blood flow of the forearm arteries after BPB or have studied only partial haemodynamic parameters. The purpose of the present study was to comprehensively assess blood flow changes in the distal radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) after BPB performed via a new costoclavicular space (CCS) approach using colour Doppler ultrasound. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent amputated finger replantation and received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular BPB were included in the study. The haemodynamic parameters of the RA and UA were recorded before the block and 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min after the block using colour Doppler ultrasound to determine the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (Vmean), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and area. The volumetric flow rate (VFR) was calculated using the formula Q = area×Vmean. The aforementioned parameters were compared not only before and after the BPB but also between the RA and UA. RESULTS: Compared with those of the respective baselines, there was a significant increase in the PSV, EDV, Vmean, area, and VFR and a significant decrease in the PI and RI of the RA and UA 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min post-block. The increase 30 min post-block in EDV (258.68 % in the RA, 279.63 % in the UA) was the most notable, followed by that in the Vmean (183.36 % in the RA, 235.24 % in the UA), and the PSV (139.11 % in the RA, 153.15 % in the UA) changed minimally. The Vmean and VFR of the RA were significantly greater than those of the UA before the BPB; however, there was no significant difference in the VFR between the RA and UA after the BPB. CONCLUSIONS: A costoclavicular BPB can increase blood flow in the forearm arteries. The RA had a higher volumetric flow rate than the UA before the BPB; however, the potential blood supply capacity of the UA was similar to that of the RA after a BPB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx, clinical trial number: ChiCTR 1900023796, date of registration: June 12, 2019).

Ulnar Artery Thrombosis Presented with Unilateral Raynaud's Phenomenon Findings after Long-Term Intensive Handicraft Activity: Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon vascular syndrome of upper extremity. HHS should be considered in patients who are presented with digital ischemia. Distal ulnar artery compression at the level of Guyon's canal with trauma results in thrombus or aneurysm. It may be observed after repetitive chronic trauma or acute blunt trauma to hypothenar eminence. Middle-aged male laborers, smokers, and dominant hands are affected frequently. Hand pain, discoloration or ulceration of digits, cold intolerance, hypothenar pulsatile mass, hypothenar weakness, and numbness are significant clinical findings. CASE CHARACTERISTICS: In this report, we presented a 37-year-old woman complaining with intermittent hand pain, paleness, and cyanosis at third, fourth, and fifth fingers of the right hand. She had no blunt trauma to her hand but intense amount of needle lace with her hands. Doppler ultrasonography revealed ulnar arterial thrombus at right Guyon's canal level. CONCLUSIONS: She was diagnosed as HHS secondary to intense needlework. A calcium channel blocker and low-dose aspirin were prescribed to her, and avoidance of hand traumas was suggested. These interventions relieved digital ischemia symptoms on her hand.

Necrosis caused by intra-arterial injection of promethazine: case report.

Promethazine injections have led to necrosis and gangrene of the distal upper extremity when inadvertently injected into an artery. There have been few case reports of this alarming complication in the literature. We report on 2 cases of intra-arterial promethazine injection that led to amputation.

Intra-arterial injection of dissolved flunitrazepam tablets.

Intra-arterial application of dissolved tablets is associated with a high risk of tissue necrosis. An early active vasodilatating and recanalising treatment is necessary. We present the case of 21-year-old female who applied three dissolved Flunitrazepam tablets into the ulnar artery and was successfully treated with prostaglandin E1 and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

[Regional fibrinolysis with rt-PA in hypothenar hammer syndrome]. / Regionale Fibrinolyse mit rt-PA beim Hypothenar-Hammer-Syndrom.

The hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is characterized by lesions of the ulnar artery secondary to repetitive trauma to the hypothenar eminence. We report the case of an orthopedic surgeon with HHS due to his occupational practice. Angiography and MRI confirmed an aneurysm of the ulnar artery and embolic occlusions of his carpal and digital arteries. Patency was reestablished with regional thrombolysis using rt-PA. So far there have been no reports on thrombolysis with rt-PA in HHS.