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[Arteriopathies as occupational diseases]
E Hachulla1, P Y Hatron, B Devulder
1Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Lille.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Occupational arteriopathies, like Raynaud's phenomenon, affect the upper limbs. A study found 25% of complicated arteriopathy patients had recognized occupational diseases, highlighting treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Vascular diseases
- Toxicology
Context:
- Occupational diseases affecting upper limbs are common, often presenting as Raynaud's phenomenon or digital gangrene.
- Key causes include hand-arm vibration disease, hypothenar hammer syndrome, silica exposure, and vinyl chloride intoxication.
- Recent French legislation recognizes Erasmus' syndrome and silica-induced scleroderma as occupational diseases.
Purpose:
- To review occupational arteriopathies of the upper limbs.
- To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with these conditions.
- To highlight the proportion of patients with recognized occupational diseases.
Summary:
- Arteriopathies of occupational diseases primarily affect the upper limbs, manifesting as Raynaud's phenomenon ('white finger') and potentially digital gangrene.
- In a series of 60 patients with complicated upper limb arteriopathies, 25% had a recognized occupational disease.
- The study discusses therapeutic issues, including surgical options for hypothenar hammer syndrome, medical treatments for finger necrosis in Erasmus' syndrome, and the role of spinal cord neurostimulation.
Impact:
- This review underscores the significance of occupational factors in upper limb vascular diseases.
- It emphasizes the need for recognition and appropriate management of occupational arteriopathies.
- The findings inform clinical practice and policy regarding work-related vascular conditions.