[Occupational angioneurotic disorders provoked by vinyl monochloride and vibration]

Microcirculatory disorders of the extremities may have an occupational origin, which it is desirable to specify. Exposure to vinyl monochloride results in a chemical nuisance which also proved to be carcinogenic in man. Strict preventive measures are therefore enforced in the industry and angioneurotic disorders should no longer be observed. Use of vibrating tools results in a microvascular response to a physical nuisance which is difficult to prevent completely. In both cases the physiopathology is not well-known, but compensation is possible as occupational diseases. Repeated trauma of the ulnar artery, and/or its superficial palmar branch are, on the contrary, the main explanation for hypothenar hammer syndrome, which is easily prevented by mere adjustment of the work position and occupational movements: the conditions for medico-legal compensation for this particular syndrome, which is still not listed among occupational diseases, will be in effect in the very near future.