Acute peripheral arterial occlusion: electrophysiologic study of 32 cases

Thirty patients with 32 acute peripheral arterial occlusions underwent nerve conduction and electromyographic studies at a mean of 12.4 months after the vascular occlusion. Compound action potentials showed greater reduction than conduction velocity (26% to 75% vs 8% to 13% lower than normal). All changes were more prominent in the legs than arms, including fibrillation potentials (64% vs 28%). Short motor unit potentials were seen in 13% of patients; this group also had signs of severe nerve damage. The extent of abnormality varied with location of occlusion. Signs of nerve damage were significantly decreased in patients who had early revascularization. The electrophysiologic findings suggested axonal destruction rather than demyelination.