[The interrelation of vascular, neurological and functional disorders in the hand of rheumatoid arthritis patients]

The hands of 45 RA patients were studied for vascular, neurological and functional characteristics. The patients underwent functional tests, dopplerography (to study regional arterial flow) and electroneuromyography (to study the peripheral nerves). Induration and defective elasticity of the vascular wall in the radial and ulnar arteries were disclosed in 74% of the cases. Digital arteries suffered occlusive lesion of degree III-IV in 46% of the examinees. One-third of the patients showed signs of polyneuropathy. Among functional defects, the upper grasp incompetence appeared the first. It is stated that parallel affections of the vascular, neurological and functional origin contribute to deficient functional performance of the hand in RA patients.