Three cases of digital ischemia successfully treated with cilostazol

Three patients were evaluated for refractory digital ischemia. The first patient presented with chronic, post-traumatic, unremitting, cold, painful, right fourth and fifth fingers. The symptoms had failed to improve despite topical nitroglycerin and a calcium channel blocker. Baseline digital plethysmography documented impaired perfusion within the affected digits. Cilostazol (Pletal) was added to the medical regimen and at the 8-week follow-up the fourth and fifth fingers were warm with repeat plethysmography displaying normal perfusion. A second patient had CREST syndrome-associated painful bilateral index finger ulcerations that had evolved despite taking a calcium channel blocker. Consequently the patient was started on cilostazol and within 4 weeks the digital ulcerations and pain had resolved. The third patient with traumatic right fifth digital arterial thrombosis was seen for persistent pain and cyanosis in spite of undergoing thrombolysis and subsequent anticoagulation with vasodilator therapy. Digital plethysmography established fixed ischemia within the fifth finger; subsequently, cilostazol was prescribed. Four weeks later the digital pain and cyanosis had essentially resolved. A follow-up plethysmographic waveform documented restored perfusion. Although approved for the treatment of intermittent claudication, cilostazol was successfully utilized in the setting of severe digital ischemia.