[Prognostic value of bad distal irrigation incides, revealed by irrigraphy in arteritis of the lower limbs (author's transl)].

A study is made in this paper of the prognostic significance of a very low distal index (index 6), revealed by irrigraphy. On the basis of examination of 55 case histories, the patients were divided into two groups A and B as a function of the distal indices at the root of the limb. The amputation rate was very high in both groups, but the prognosis was better in group A where the situation could be improved by restorative surgery at a high level. Analysis of the surgical possibilities has indicated that restorative surgery at a high level is a promising procedure, especially in group A. Surgery at the femoro-popliteal level yielded less satisfactory results because of the often considerable degradation of the arterial bed further downstream. Sympathectomy appears to be a useful supplement to restorative surgery in appropriate cases. The concept of the reduced distal index is also valuable for detecting cases of arteritis which are still well compensated but are in danger of vascular failure (dangerous claudications).