An index to measure the healing potential of ischaemic ulcers using Thallium 201.

Prediction of healing of ulcers in ischaemic limbs can preclude unnecessary treatment for ulcers that cannot heal. Non-invasive methods are of marked value as the ischaemic limb is susceptible to further ulceration from local skin penetration. Relative hyperemia of the ulcer was measured by scintillation count over the ulcer and at points 2.5 cm from the edge of the ulcer. Relative hyperemia was determined by dividing the count per unit area of the ulcer by the counts per unit area of the surrounding tissue. All ulcers with a relative hyperemia over 1.5 healed.