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[Ultrasound image of the hypothenar hammer syndrome].

Authors :
Taute BM
Behrmann C
Cappeller WA
Podhaisky H
Source :
Ultraschall in der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980) [Ultraschall Med] 1998 Oct; Vol. 19 (5), pp. 220-4.
Publication Year :
1998

Abstract

Unlabelled: A traumatic lesion of the ulnar artery (Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome, HHS) is a very rare cause of acral ischemia of the upper extremity.<br />Aim: Evaluation of the efficacy of ultrasound techniques in the diagnosis of the HSS.<br />Method: Based on the knowledge of the patient's history and clinical examination we investigated forearm, hand and digital arteries by continuous wave Doppler. By means of colour-coded duplex sonography (CCDS) we demonstrated the course of the radial and ulnar arteries to the palmar arch. For comparison we used the results of preintervention angiography.<br />Results: The diameter of the distal ulnary artery measured in healthy women was 1.8 +/- 0.32 and in men 2.2 +/- 0.46 mm. Among 268 patients with ischemia of the hands we diagnosed HHS in four cases. We identified an aneurysm of the ulnary artery in one case and a thrombotic occlusion in three cases. The thrombotic occlusion of the ulnar artery led to a dilatation of the vascular lumen. The occlusion length could be determined. Vessels diameter and echogenecity gave information about the age of the thrombosis.<br />Conclusion: The continuous wave Doppler is a major diagnostic contribution because of its ability to register hemodynamic changes. Additionally, CCDS with its combination of sonomorphology and hemodynamics enables a distinction between HHS and other causes of digital ischemia. The CCDS more precisely refines the indications for preinterventional angiography in acute ischemia syndromes of the hand.

Details

Language :
German
ISSN :
0172-4614
Volume :
19
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ultraschall in der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9842685
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1000494