BLOOD FLOW AND VASOMOTOR REACTIONS IN THE FOOT IN HEALTH, IN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS, AND IN THROMBO-ANGIITIS OBLITERANS

Abstract

Measurements of the blood flow in the foot in health, in arteriosclerosis, and in thromboangiitis obliterans were made under standard conditions by the plethysmographic method and recorded as ccms. of blood per min. per 100 cc. of tissue. The blood flow at 43[degree]C. was designated as the "maximal" flow. The average maximal blood flow to the foot in normal persons was 17.1 cc./min./100 cc. tissue; the highest was 25.9 and the lowest 11.1 cc. Ninety % of the flows were between 13 and 20 cc. The average maximal blood flow in the hand per equal vol. of tissue was twice that in the foot. When calculated in relation to skin area the maximal flow in the hand was 30% greater than in the foot. Vasomotor reactions of the hand and foot were qualitatively similar. In arteriosclerosis and thromboangiitis obliterans the maximal blood flow to the foot was reduced 50% without symptoms or trophic disturbances. When the flow was reduced to 1/3 the normal value, or to the level of 5 cc. or below, symptoms or trophic disturbances usually occurred. In both arteriosclerosis and thromboangiitis obliterans severe intermittent claudication in the calf was in some cases incapacitating, though the blood flow in the foot was as great as in many normal individuals. Thus the presence of an adequate supply of blood to the foot did not eliminate the possibility of obliterative disease involving the vessels of the calf muscles.