[Digital subtraction angiography of the hand]

The report deals with 66 digital subtraction angiograms of the hand performed on 61 patients; 60 were carried out by direct puncture of the brachial artery and six by trans-femoral catheterisation. In 39 patients a peripheral organic vascular abnormality was demonstrated (usually arterial sclerosis, thromboangiitis obliterans or collagenosis). Purely functional flow abnormalities were found in 17 patients. In 15 patients an organic abnormality was demonstrated, but its type could not be identified. Intra-arterial DSA is able to differentiate between functional abnormalities of blood flow and peripheral organic vascular abnormalities.