Angiography in the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite.

Five patients with frostbite injury were studied by selective angiography and treated by selective intra-arterial application of reserpine with follow-up angiography two days later. Control angiograms showed various degrees of vascular spasm as well as organic stenosis and occlusion. Intra-arterial reserpine produced dramatic subsiding of vasospasm, as evidenced by angiography and relief of clinical symptoms. Complete healing without tissue loss occurred in 4 patients. Amputation was necessary in one case, due at least in part to pre-existing peripheral atherosclerotic disease. Selective angiography was found to contribute significantly to both the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite injury.