Know the Facts
A type of uncommon peripheral artery disease that occurs over time, when one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and hands become partially or completely blocked. Most individuals with upper extremity arterial disease are asymptomatic. Most upper extremity blockages occur by a blood clot that traveled to the arm from the heart or artery in the chest, other causes include Atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, Takayasu Disease, Buerger’s Disease, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, radiation therapy for breast cancer or complications from dialysis (steal syndrome).
Symptoms
The most common symptom is discomfort in the arm while in use, including cramping, heaviness, and weakness in the affected arm. Sensitivity to cold, cool, pale skin, slow growing nails, weak pulse and muscle atrophy. As the disease advances, you may experience intermittent claudication. If the blockage becomes more severe, you eventually may develop ulcers or gangrene to your arm, particularly on the tips of your fingers.
Risk Factors
Primary risk factors Age 60+ and smoking
Diagnosis
Physical exam, Duplex Ultrasound, Angiography
Treatment
Depending on the underlying cause, as well as the location and severity of blockage, lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation are important. Surgical procedures include Angioplasty/stent, bypass, Endarterectomy and Thrombolytic Therapy. If the lack of blood flow is due to dialysis access, there are a variety of procedures to increase blood flow to the extremity and preserve the AV fistula or AV graft.