Professional polyneuropathy: the state of the main arteries of the upper extremities

Abstract

Introduction. Professional polyneuropathy of the upper extremities is an example of the most common pathology due to physical overload and functional overstrain of the muscles of the upper extremities.The aim of the study was to study the ultrasound quantitative parameters of the anatomical structures of the arteries in normal and professional polyneuropathy.Materials and methods. Patients with polyneuropathy from physical overloads and functional overvoltage in hospital were examined by ultrasound in B-mode. The results of ultrasonic assessment of the morphological state of the main arteries of the forearm in professional polyneuropathy from physical overload and functional overvoltage are presented. The criteria for the selection of patients in the study were: the presence of severe clinical manifestations of polyneuropathy, confirmed by instrumental methods of the study, the data of sanitary and hygienic characteristics of working conditions, indicating contact with physical overload in the workplace, the absence of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system (coronary heart disease, rheumatic, oncological, infectious diseases, heart defects, arrhythmias and conduction).Results. The study of ultrasound morphological features of the arteries of the upper extremities in professional polyneuropathy showed an increase in the intima-media complex, compaction of the structure of the vascular wall equally in the radial and ulnar arteries. The revealed changes were determined with the same frequency in men and women. The study of the right and left hands showed the presence of more pronounced changes on the side of the «working hand».Conclusions. Today the method of ultrasound examination of the main arteries of the middle caliber of the upper extremities is the only available and objective method of studying the morphological changes of the vascular system in professional polyneuropathy from functional overvoltage and physical overload. In comparison with the control group in patients with polyneuropathy, a significant decrease in the diameter of the vessels was determined on the limb, which has a predominant load. Ultrasonic changes are detected at the initial stages of professional polyneuropathy of the upper extremities.