Surgery for ischemic pain and Raynaud's' phenomenon in scleroderma: a description of treatment protocol and evaluation of results

Nerve branches to the anterior tibial artery: clinical application

INTRODUCTION

Arteries receive vascular branches (VBs) from peripheral nerves. VBs are thought to be involved in arterial constriction. Although the anterior tibial artery (ATA) receives VBs, information on their branching patterns and distribution areas remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical structures of the VBs reaching the ATA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty cadaver limbs were examined to assess the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs reaching the ATA.

RESULTS

The VBs reaching the ATA ramified from the deep fibular nerve (DFN), and the ATA received two or three VBs in each limb. The following mean distances from the head of fibula to the points at which the VBs reached the ATA were measured: all the VBs, 1st VB, 2nd VB and 3rd VB. The measurements were 51.5 ± 23.2 mm, 33.3 ± 3.7 mm, 53.3 ± 18.6 mm, and 72.2 ± 24.5 mm, respectively. In all limbs, the DFN and the ATA converged after the DFN branched into the 1^st VB. The 2^nd VB in 38 of 40 limbs and the 3^rd VB in 20 of 32 limbs were distributed in the ATA proximal to the convergence point of the ATA and the DFN.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that all VBs reaching the ATA ramified from the DFN in all limbs. The ATA received two or three VBs, and all the 1^st VBs distributed to the ATA proximal to the convergence point. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Updates in Systemic Sclerosis Treatment and Applicability to Pediatric Scleroderma

Juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is a complex multisystem inflammatory-driven disease of fibrosis, requiring multifaceted treatment including pharmacologic therapy, supportive care, and lifestyle modification. Most regimens are adapted from adult SSc treatment given the rarity of the disease. Landmark trials over the past decade in adult SSc have led to 2 Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, and several ongoing trials of other biological agents are underway. Resetting the immune system with autologous stem cell transplant to halt this disease earlier in its course, especially in pediatric onset where disease burden can accumulate, is on the horizon.

Novel Combined Approach for Digital Necrosis Secondary to Raynaud's Phenomenon

The presence of severe Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP), with permanent pain or digital necrosis is a rare condition. Cervical sympathectomy or distal sympathectomy or A botulinum toxin have demonstrated efficacy after medical treatment failure. We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient with an acute onset of severe RP in both hands secondary to systemic sclerosis. Medical treatment failed, so a novel approach by a combination of a modified distal sympathectomy and injection of A botulinum toxin on digital neuromuscular bundles was performed. Remission of the pain occurred immediately after the procedure and 45 days later she had complete healing of the digital wounds and recovered full mobilization of both hands. The patient remained asymptomatic 6 month after the procedure, and a Doppler ultrasound showed tri-phasic flows distal to the surgical site. This novel technique is described, and a brief review of the literature is performed.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Hand Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Case Series

Background: Chronic hand ischemia refers to progressive, non-acute ischemic symptoms such as cold intolerance, rest pain, ulceration, tissue necrosis, and digit loss and poses a significant challenge in management. Conservative treatment begins with medical optimization and pharmacologic therapy, but when symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be required. Various operations exist to improve circulation including sympathectomy, arterial bypass, or venous arterialization. The purpose of this study is to systematically review published outcomes and present our experience with each surgical technique.

Methods: A systematic review of literature regarding surgical treatment of chronic hand ischemia published between 1990 and 2016 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. A retrospective-review of surgical interventions for chronic hand ischemia from 2010 to 2016 was then conducted. Primary outcomes included improvement in pain, wound-healing, and development of new ulcerations.

Results: The review included 38 eight studies, showing all three techniques were effective in treating chronic hand ischemia. Sympathectomy had the lowest rate of new ulcerations (0.8%); bypass had the highest rate of healing existing ulcerations (89%). Arterialization was associated with consistent pain improvement pain (100%) but more complications (30.8%). Our series included 18 patients with 21 affected hands, 18 sympathectomies, 6 ulnar artery bypasses, and 1 arterialization. Most hands had improvement of wounds (89.5%) and pain (78.9%). No patients developed new ulcerations, but one required secondary amputation.

Conclusions: When conservative measures fail to improve chronic hand ischemia, surgical intervention is an effective last line treatment. An algorithmic approach can determine the best operation for patients with chronic hand ischemia.

Vascular branches from cutaneous nerve of the forearm and hand: Application to better understanding raynaud's disease

Cutaneous nerves have branches called vascular branches (VBs) that reach arteries. VBs are thought to be involved in arterial constriction, and this is the rationale for periarterial sympathectomy as a treatment option for Raynaud's disease. However, the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs remain largely unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anatomical structures of the VBs of the cutaneous nerves. Forty hands and forearms were examined to assess the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN), the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN), the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN), and the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (PCUN). VBs reaching the radial and ulnar arteries were observed in all specimens. The branching patterns were classified into six types. The mean distance between the radial styloid process and the point where the VBs reached the radial artery was 34.3 ± 4.8 mm in the SBRN and 38.5 ± 15.8 mm in the LACN. The mean distance between the ulnar styloid process and the point where the VBs reached the ulnar artery was 60.3 ± 25.9 mm in the MACN and 43.8 ± 26.0 mm in the PCUN. This study showed that the VBs of the cutaneous nerves have diverse branching patterns. The VBs of the SBRN had a more limited distribution areas than those of the other nerves. Clin. Anat. 31:734-741, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Management of Systemic Sclerosis-Related Skin Disease: A Review of Existing and Experimental Therapeutic Approaches

The skin is the most common organ system involved in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Nearly all patients experience cutaneous symptoms, including sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, telangiectasias, and calcinosis. In addition to posing functional challenges, cutaneous symptoms are often a major cause of pain, psychological distress, and body image dissatisfaction. The present article reviews the main features of SSc-related cutaneous manifestations and highlights an evidence-based treatment approach for treating each manifestation. This article also describes novel treatment approaches and opportunities for further research in managing this important clinical dimension of SSc.

Old medications and new targeted therapies in systemic sclerosis

SSc is a multiorgan disease with significant morbidity that is associated with poor health-related quality of life. Treatment of this condition is often organ based and non-curative. However, there are newer, potentially disease-modifying therapies available to treat certain aspects of the disease. This review focuses on old and new therapies in the management of SSc in clinical practice.

Nonarteriosclerotic vascular disease

Thromboangiitis obliterans, or Buerger disease, is a chronic nonatherosclerotic endarteritis manifesting as inflammation and thrombosis of distal extremity small and medium-sized arteries resulting in relapsing episodes of distal extremity ischemia. Takayasu arteritis is a rare syndrome characterized by inflammation of the aortic arch, pulmonary, coronary, and cerebral vessels, presenting with cerebrovascular symptoms, myocardial ischemia, or upper extremity claudication in young, often female, patients. Kawasaki disease is a small- and medium-vessel acute systemic vasculitis of young children, with morbidity and mortality stemming from coronary artery aneurysms. Microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and Wegener granulomatosis are systemic small-vessel vasculitides, affecting arterioles, capillary beds and venules, and each presenting with variable effects on the pulmonary, renal and gastrointestinal systems.

The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud phenomenon

The past 10 years have seen the publication of results from several multicentre clinical trials in primary and systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related Raynaud phenomenon. The publication of these studies has occurred as a result of new insights into the pathogenesis of Raynaud phenomenon, which are directing new treatment approaches, and increased international collaboration between clinicians and scientists. Although the pathogenesis of Raynaud phenomenon is complex, abnormalities of the blood vessel wall, of neural control mechanisms and of intravascular (circulating) factors are known to interact and contribute. Key players relevant in drug development include nitric oxide, endothelin-1, alpha adrenergic receptor activation, abnormal signal transduction in vascular smooth muscle, oxidative stress and platelet activation. The main advances in diagnosis have been a clearer understanding of autoantibodies and of abnormal nailfold capillary patterns as independent predictors of SSc, and widespread use and increased availability of capillaroscopy. The ultimate aim is to translate the advances made in the pathophysiology and early diagnosis into development of treatments to prevent and reverse digital vascular dysfunction and injury. This Review provides an update of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud phenomenon. Current and future treatment approaches are discussed, and some key unanswered questions are highlighted.

Reconstruction of the ischemic hand

Ischemia of the hand remains an uncommon condition, but problems with arterial perfusion of the hand can arise from trauma (open and closed), thrombosis, or arteriovascular disease. Certain identifiable patterns are seen with hand ischemia, usually discernable according to which one of the major arteries (radial or ulnar) are involved. This article discusses the origin and management of ischemic hand conditions, with an emphasis on recognizing the patterns of ischemia that are commonly seen.

Sonographically guided hydrodissection and corticosteroid injection for scleroderma hand

Scleroderma is associated with intractable hand pain from vasospasm, digital ischemia, tenosynovitis, and nerve entrapment. This study investigated the effect of hydrodissection of the carpal tunnel followed by corticosteroid injection for the painful scleroderma hand. Twenty-six consecutive subjects [12 with painful scleroderma hand and 14 with rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome (RA/CTS)] underwent sonographically observed carpal tunnel hydrodissection with 3 ml of 1% lidocaine administered with a 25-gauge 1-in. needle on a 3-ml RPD mechanical syringe (reciprocating procedure device). After hydrodissection, a syringe exchange was performed, and 80 mg of triamcinolone acetonide was injected. Baseline pain, procedural pain, pain at outcome, responders, therapeutic duration, and reinjection interval were determined. Hydrodissection and injection with corticosteroid significantly reduced pain scores by 67% in scleroderma (p < 0.001) and by 47% in RA/CT (p < 0.001). Scleroderma and RA/CTS were similar in outcome measures: injection pain (p = 0.47), pain scores at outcome (p = 0.13), responders (scleroderma, 83.3%; RA/CTS, 57.1%, p = 0.15), pain at 6 months (p = 0.15), and therapeutic duration (p = 0.07). Scleroderma patients responded better in time to next injection (scleroderma, 8.5 ± 3.0 months; RA/CTS, 5.2 ± 3.1 months, p = 0.03). Reduced Raynaud's attacks and healing of digital ulcers occurred in 83% of subjects. There were no complications. Hydrodissection with lidocaine followed by injection of triamcinolone reduces pain and vasomotor changes in the scleroderma hand. The mechanism may be a combination of hydrodissection-mediated mechanical freeing of entrapped arteries, nerves, and tendinous structures and corticosteroid-induced reduction of inflammatory vasospasm.

Systemic sclerosis: bilateral improvement of Raynaud's phenomenon with unilateral digital sympathectomy

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate that unilateral digital sympathectomy, in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), may result in bilateral resolution of RP and digital ulcerations.

METHODS

We report a case of SSc and RP that had bilateral benefits from unilateral digital sympathectomy. A computer-assisted Medline/PubMed search of the medical literature was performed for 1960 through June 2009 using the keywords sympathectomy, Raynaud's phenomenon, systemic sclerosis, CREST, and digital ulcers. These searches were also combined with text words unilateral, ipsilateral, bilateral, digital sympathectomy, selective sympathectomy, autonomic nervous system, hyperhidrosis, etiology, pathogenesis, hypothesis, and treatment. Only pertinent literature, primarily in the English language, was included.

RESULTS

The majority of patients with SSc have RP and many suffer from digital ulcerations. Medical and behavioral management may have limited benefit and surgical intervention can be considered in recalcitrant cases, although efficacy data are sparse. We describe a man with limited SSc who underwent unilateral digital sympathectomy but manifested bilateral benefit. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of contralateral response with this procedure. The patient ultimately demonstrated these digital benefits when stressed with extreme cold and hypoxia while mountaineering. Despite the onset of high-altitude sickness and cerebral edema, his fingers remained unaffected while other mountaineers sustained severe frostbite or died of hypothermia.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective unilateral sympathectomy in SSc, for RP with digital ulcerations, can result in bilateral benefits despite intense challenge with cold and hypoxia.

Botulinum toxin type A: a treatment option for digital ischemia in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon

PURPOSE

Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated vasospastic response that causes pallor and cyanosis. In the hand, it results in pain, disability, and the need for amputation. Current accepted medical and surgical treatments are not uniformly successful and have their inherent morbidities. Reports in the literature describe the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the treatment of vasospastic ischemia of the digits. We report the results of the treatment of recalcitrant digital ischemia with BTX-A in our institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review between January 2003 and February 2007. All patients presented with a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon with worsening pain, discoloration, or nonhealing wound of the hand. Patients received BTX-A injections into the perineurovascular tissue of the wrist or the distal palm, or along the digit. Outcomes measured included pain rating, digit color and appearance, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and healing of chronic ulcers.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were treated, with a total of 55 treatment encounters. Patients were observed for an average of 18 months. Statistically significant improvements were noted for pain score and digit transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurements after treatment (p < .05). We found smokers and women were more likely to have improved coloration and appearance after injections. Complications included localized injection-related pain and transient intrinsic muscle weakness.

CONCLUSIONS

Botulinum toxin type A significantly improves pain and improves healing in Raynaud's patients with few complications. BTX-A was found to be a safe and useful treatment option for vasospastic digital ischemia.

Treatment of chronic digital ischemia with direct microsurgical revascularization

The authors present their technique for treating digital ischemia using a radial-to-digital artery bypass graft performed in a bloodless field under tourniquet with the use of a microscope. The outcomes in 6 patients were resolution of fingertip ulcers, avoidance of more proximal amputations, and elimination of ischemic pain.

[Raynaud's phenomenon]

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by repeated daily attacks of ischemia followed by reperfusion at the acrallevel. It is a frequent syndrome found in medical practice; and it can be considered as primary or secondary to other conditions, including rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Current classification had clinical and therapeutic implications. Careful clinical evaluation is the most reliable and reproducible method in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Several risk factors had been associated in the genesis of Raynaud's phenomenon; however, its pathogenesis remains elusive although recently, considerable progress in disease mechanism had been described. Such advances are directing new lines of therapy.

Arterialization of the Venous System of the Hand

BACKGROUND

The treatment of hand ischemia can be very challenging. In cases in which there are no reconstructible arterial lesions, treatment options are limited. Arterialization of the venous system of the hand is a straightforward surgical procedure that provides arterial blood to the distal soft tissues of an ischemic hand.

METHODS

The author conducted a retrospective review of the history, indications, technique, and results of this technique as applied to the treatment of five hands in three patients.

RESULTS

For each of these patients, the treatment included an anastomosis from the distal radial or ulnar artery to a dorsal hand vein. Blood flow was directed distally by ligating venous side branches. Valvulotomies were performed as needed to the base of the digits on the dorsum of the hand. This approach resulted in excellent pain relief in all treated hands and healing of digital wounds.

CONCLUSION

This relatively straightforward salvage procedure provides arterialized blood to ischemic digits, resulting in wound healing and significant reduction in pain.

Influence of clinical features on the health status of patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) on patients' health status, and to identify the contributions to health status of different manifestations of lcSSc.

METHODS

The Short Form 36 questionnaire was completed by 213 patients with lcSSc or Raynaud's syndrome and an antinuclear antibody typical of lcSSc as part of the baseline visit of the Quinapril in Scleroderma trial. Results were analyzed after correcting for age and sex using the Welsh Health Survey. Patients' results were related to their clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The mean physical component score (PCS) was 44.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 42.5, 45.5), which was lower than the population norm of 50, and the median mental component score (MCS) was 52.2 (95% CI 48.5, 54.3). Raynaud's disease visual analog scale (VAS) scores, lung function, the number of organ systems affected, and skin score were significantly correlated with PCS. The total score (TDS) of an SSc severity scale showed the highest correlation. The effect of lcSSc on PCS was worse in younger patients. Multiple regression including age demonstrated that Raynaud's disease severity could predict a reduction in PCS beyond that predicted by TDS. Raynaud's disease severity and duration of lcSSc were linked to low MCS. Arthritis reduced PCS and esophageal involvement reduced PCS and MCS.

CONCLUSION

Physical health status of patients with lcSSc was reduced, with 30% of the variation predicted by TDS, age, and severity of Raynaud's disease VAS. Mental health status was not reduced in this population.

Raynaud's Phenomenon in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Raynaud's phenomenon affects most patients who have mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and frequently represents the initial manifestation of the disease. It is the cutaneous symptom of a systemic vasculopathy that is characterized by intimal fibrosis and blood vessel obliteration that frequently leads to visceral involvement, particularly pulmonary hypertension. An association between Raynaud's phenomenon and the characteristic autoantibody in MCTD, anti-U1-RNP (ribonucleoprotein), is found across the spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including undifferentiated connective tissue disease, scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Capillary nailfold examination represents a valuable tool to identify patients who are at risk for MCTD. The goal in the therapy of Raynaud's phenomenon in MCTD is to decrease the frequency of attacks, to prevent digital ulceration, and to limit progressive vascular damage. Therapeutic regimens include the traditional use of calcium channel blockers and novel vascular therapies.

Management of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ischemic lesions in scleroderma

Raynaud's phenomenon is a challenging problem in patients who have scleroderma. It causes a great deal of morbidity with recurrent painful attacks and frequent digital ischemic lesions. The strategy to treat the vascular disease must consider treatment for the vasospasm and the intrinsic vascular disease with intimal proliferation and vessel occlusion. Vasodilator therapy remains the main method to treat Raynaud's phenomenon, but new understanding of the pathobiology of scleroderma vascular disease is providing novel treatment options. We need more investigations into these vasoactive drugs before routine use can be recommended. Critical ischemia can cause deep tissue injury and digital loss. An aggressive approach to reversing an ischemic crisis is essential for preventing these severe events.

Current Treatment Options in Raynaud's Phenomenon

The treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) strictly depends on the severity of symptoms and on the presence of an underlying systemic disease. For this reason, any patient with RP should be carefully assessed for signs and symptoms that may herald an underlying disease. Primary RP can usually be managed with conservative nonpharmacologic lifestyle modifications (eg, avoidance of cold temperatures, tobacco, caffeine, and any drug interfering with vascular tone) and pharmacologic treatment added only if attacks are poorly controlled. Vasodilating drugs (eg, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, topical nitrates, and prostanoids) are still the mainstay of medical therapy for RP. Anecdotal reports with different kinds of therapies appear regularly but always need evidence-based confirmation. In particular, antioxidant agents may be useful in limiting the progressive endothelial damage. Novel therapeutic tools interfering either with primary or secondary pathogenetic processes (ie, endothelial and peripheral nervous system dysfunction and smooth muscle cell hypertrophy) are awaited.

Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: new insights and developments

Although certain broad principles of treatment apply to all patients with Raynaud's phenomenon, the exact approach will vary depending on the nature and severity of the underlying digital vascular problem. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon are directing new lines of therapy. This review considers general (nonpharmacologic) measures, the different types of drug therapy, and the role of surgery. Recent advances in the use of more conventional treatments, such as calcium channel blockers, are discussed and also newer agents that are currently being researched, for example, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists and nitric oxide donors. The necessity of prompt assessment and treatment of acute digital ischemia, which is a medical emergency, is highlighted.

Adventitial stripping of the radial and ulnar arteries in Raynaud's disease

Adventitial stripping of the palmar arch, the palmar common digital arteries, or the proper digital arteries is a last resort in the treatment of refractory primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Seven patients who had adventitial stripping of the ulnar and radial arteries proximal to the wrist and resection of the nerve of Henle, if identifiable, are presented. All of them were evaluated by telethermography, acral rheography, and a questionnaire before and after surgery. All were asymptomatic after surgery with satisfactory healing of the ulcers at the fingertips. None of them relapsed during the follow-up time of 1.5 years.