Comparative study of evaluation of digital arterial circulation by doppler ultrasonic tracing and hand arteriography.

The measurement of DBP and the arteriography of the hand have been used for the estimation of digital arterial circulation and for the disclosure of occlusive processes of the digital and palmar arteries in vascular and, mainly, in arterial disorders of the hands. However, both methods have some limitations; the first might give normal values in the presence of occlusion of digital or palmar arteries while the second is an invasive technic, it cannot be repeated and is followed by a low morbidity. The technic that we are introducing namely the digital arterial flow tracing (DAFT) is a non-invasive method which discloses, with a high accuracy, the occlusive processes of the digital arteries and it could replace to some extent especially in the study of Raynaud's syndrome, hand arteriography. Further experience is required for the refinement of the method and for the study of the palmar arteries.