Treatment of chronic ischaemia of a replanted thumb with iloprost.

A 40-year-old man had chronic ischaemia of his replanted thumb. Angiography revealed occlusion of both digital arteries and weak collaterals. He was treated for 4 weeks with Iloprost which produced a definite and sustained improvement. As the digital arteries remained occluded, the beneficial effect of Iloprost was attributed to increased flow in the microcirculation and collaterals.