Arteriography in leprosy

Arterial pattern of hands and feet-vessels was studied in 26 patients of leprosy by percutaneous arteriography, and in these cases muscle biopsy was also done. The vessels in leprosy were showing smooth tapering, absence of collaterals, occlusion of the artery and rippling (tortousity) of vessels. Such abnormal pictures were seen in all the arteriograms studied, and in 82% of of cases moderate to severe vascular changes were seen. Decreased blood flow through the arteries in the distal part of the limb leading to ischaemia, is probably the cause for deformity and/or ulceration in the leprosy. Presence of vascular thickening, perivascular granuloma and lymphocytic infiltration in the muscle may be possible explanation for angiographic findings and is felt to be related to trophic ulceration.