Use of diagnostic modalities for assessing upper extremity vascular pathology

Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of brachial artery injury due to blunt trauma: A Case Report

The brachial artery is the most common injured vessel in the upper extremity. Although vascular injury following blunt trauma is rare, it is a condition to be considered because it can easily be overlooked unless the clinician has a high suspicion. In this paper, we present a blunt trauma case with brachial arterial injury, upper extremity ischemia, and the need for urgent management to salvage the limb. A 28-year-old male had a right arm swelling, pain, and paleness accompanied by a weak pulse in the right radial artery and right-hand numbness. Following resuscitation, preoperative Doppler ultrasound revealed to the brachial artery injury. The right brachial artery had an occlusion with a thrombus. In spectral Doppler analysis, there were demonstrated parvus et tardus waveform in the distal arteries. Doppler ultrasound provided crucial information to make an accurate and rapid management decision.

The utility of bone scintigraphy with SPECT/CT in the evaluation and management of frostbite injuries

OBJECTIVE:

Frostbite is a localized cold-thermal injury resulting from prolonged exposure of flesh to freezing and near freezing temperatures. The depth and extent of frostbite injuries are not easily assessed, from a clinical standpoint, at the time of injury making it challenging to plan appropriate management and treatment.

METHODS:

A review of the literature of management of cold-related injuries and retrospective case review of the imaging and clinical course of frostbite injury.

RESULTS:

Bone scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT was performed in the acute and subacute course of frostbite injuries, subsequently leading to earlier definitive management and shorter hospital stay.

CONCLUSION:

Multiphase technetium-99m-methylenediphosphonate (⁹⁹mTc-MDP) bone scintigraphy with SPECT/CT can expedite clinical management of frostbite injuries by determining the extent of injury and can accurately predict the level of amputation if needed.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

 SPECT/CT is underutilized at many facilities but can have a profound and immediate impact on clinical management of patients with frostbite when used in combination with physiological bone scan imaging.

Acute Arterial Thrombosis of the Hand

Arterial thrombosis of the hand occurs infrequently but may result in considerable morbidity and compromise of hand function. The hand surgeon may be called upon to direct management in cases of acute arterial thrombosis of the hand and should have an understanding of the available diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. This article discusses the vascular anatomy of the hand and clinical manifestations of arterial thrombosis. Differences between isolated thrombosis and diffuse intravascular injury are detailed, and treatment options for these conditions are described. Appropriate care often requires coordination with interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons. Outcomes after treatment of arterial thrombosis of the hand are variable, and prognosis may be related to whether isolated thrombosis or diffuse intravascular injury is present.