Blue digit syndrome: urgent indication for digital salvage

Abstract

The sudden onset of digital ischemia due to microembolization from a proximal source (the blue digit syndrome) requires immediate attention because not only the digit, but also the entire extremity, may be at risk. In our experience, 11 patients with the blue digit syndrome were encountered. Treatment consisted of eradication of the proximal embolic source followed by lumbar sympathectomy in four patients, direct arterial surgery alone in five patients, and lumbar sympathectomy alone in two patients. The addition of lumbar sympathectomy was beneficial as it provides an additional increase in blood flow and tissue perfusion over and above that due to direct arterial surgery alone. Our experience indicates that the benefits of lumbar sympathectomy leads to enhancement of healing of pregangrenous lesions and digital salvage.