[Nail fold microcirculation in patients with chest malignancy]

Nail fold microcirculation was observed in 90 patients suffering from chest malignancies. 33 were patients with esophageal cancer, 41 cancer of gastric cardia, 4 esophageal and cardiac cancer, 11 lung cancer and 1 malignant neurogenic tumor in the posterior mediastinum. The results indicate that, in cancer patients, marked microcirculatory disturbances are present in the form of marked exudation, cloudy visual field, abnormal and dilated capillary loops, granular and slow blood flow. There is no obvious difference in the various kinds of malignancies. Nor is there any difference between the operable and inoperable cases. Indication of operation is not predicted by this method. The probable cause and clinical significance of microcirculatory disturbances are discussed.