Angiography in the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite

Five patients with frostbite injury were studied by selective angiography and treated by selective intra arterial application of reserpine with follow up angiography two days later. Control angiograms showed various degrees of vascular spasm as well as organic stenosis and occlusion. Intra arterial reserpine produced dramatic subsiding of vasospasm, as evidenced by angiography and relief of clinical symptoms. Complete healing without tissue loss occurred in 4 patients. Amputation was necessary in one case, due at least in part to pre existing peripheral atherosclerotic disease. Selective angiography was found to contribute significantly to both the diagnosis and therapy of frostbite injury.