[Treatment of peripheral occlusive vascular disease with pentoxifylin (author's transl)]

102 patients suffering from peripheral occlusive vascular disease were treated with Pentoxifylline (Trental) parenterally (i.v. infusions) and orally (dragees). Surprisingly good therapeutic response was obtained not only in patients stage II but also stage III (after Fontaine), in total 84% of the patients showing improvement. These favourable results can only be explained by increase of nutritious circulation indicating an improvement of blood-flow-properties in the microvasculature. The observed particular efficacy of Pentoxifylline necessitates a more differentiated valuation of the systemic (intravenous) administration of vasoactive drugs all the more so as the majority of patients with occlusive vascular disease are accessible to conservative treatment only.