The value of arteriography of the hand in the Raynaud's syndrome.

The hand arteriograms of 18 patients with Raynaud's syndrome are reviewed. In 17 of the patients the arteriographic abnormality consists of digital artery occlusions, collaterals and diminished vascularity of the tips of the affected fingers. These changes are non-specific and do not correlate with the clinically diagnosed underlying arterial disease. The results of upper thoracie sympathectomy are unrelated to the type or severity of the angiographic changes. It is suggested that hand arteriography has little place in the diagnosis or management of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Arteriography is only of value to demonstrate a proximal source of digital emboli.