Acute occlusive disease of the brachial artery

Acute occlusive disease of the brachial artery has been increasing in frequency due to the aging of the population and the developing modalities in the treatment of cardiac patients and in the diagnosis of vascular diseases. In this study, we discussed 54 cases of acute occlusion of the brachial artery that we encountered in the 5 year period between 1982 and 1987. We performed embolectomy or thrombectomy in 49 patients and carried out conservative treatment in 5 patients. Amputation and mortality rates were 13% and 5.6% respectively. The disease was observed to be mode common in women and in the winter months.