Occupation-related vascular disorders of the upper extremity--two case reports

Angiology. 2006 Jan-Feb;57(1):107-14. doi: 10.1177/000331970605700116.

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer (HH) syndrome and vibration-induced white finger (VWF) syndrome are the main occupation-related vascular diseases of the upper extremity. The clinical presentation is similar to that of Raynaud's phenomenon. The characteristic history will lead to the appropriate diagnosis being confirmed by angiographic features in HH and by functional tests in VWF. While in HH the underlying cause, which is mostly thought to be an aneurysm of the ulnar artery, might be cured surgically, in VWF only medical treatment offers relief from the symptoms. The knowledge of these entities is necessary to suspect such disorders so that further exposure to risk factors like repetitive hypothenar trauma or work with vibrating hand-held tools can be avoided, which is of great importance for the overall prognosis of these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiography
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / drug therapy
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / etiology*
  • Brachial Artery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nifedipine / therapeutic use
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Occupational Diseases / drug therapy
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Prognosis
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Vibration / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Nifedipine