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. 1989 Mar;71(2):140–142.

Unilateral digital ischaemia secondary to embolisation from subclavian atheroma.

A J Bryan 1, E Hicks 1, M H Lewis 1
PMCID: PMC2498921  PMID: 2705720

Abstract

Four cases of unilateral digital ischaemia in the upper limb secondary to embolisation from atheromatous plaques in the proximal subclavian artery are presented. Digital subtraction angiography or arch aortography were used to demonstrate the site of atheroma. In one case diagnostic delay resulted from failure to visualise the site of embolisation on the original aortogram and a repeat examination was necessary. Subclavian endarterectomy was undertaken in each case and irreversibly ischaemic digits were managed by local amputation in two cases. Direct surgery to remove the site of embolisation was preferred to bypass or transposition procedures. No further embolic episodes have been recorded with a follow-up of 6 months to 3 years. The important diagnostic features and options in surgical management of this syndrome are discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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