Gangrene of toes with normal peripheral pulses.

Abstract

Ten patients with pregangrenous and gangrenous changes of the toes in the presence of normal peripheral pulses are described. In the absence of diabetes this is an uncommon condition and is only rarely reported upon in the literature. Four patients had non occlusive arteriosclerotic changes in large arteries; three suffered from thrombocytosis and one from polycythemia vera; one patient had a monoclonal gamopathy and one was exposed to cold three months before the onset of gangrene. None of these patients smoked regularly. Severe pain usually preceded the gangrene. The process did not progress proximally in any patients, and in those who underwent toe amputations the healing was uneventful. Vasodilators and low-molecular dextran were not effective. Lumbar sympathectomy was performed in three patients, also with no effect on the course of the disease. Treatment of hematological disorders gave relief in three patients. Proximal arteriosclerotic changes should be corrected if possible to eliminate a source of emboli. In two patients anti-platelet aggregation agents provided relief. Toe amputation should be conservative and performed when definite demarcation appears between necrotic and viable tissue. This condition has a benign prognosis.