Upper limb ischaemia: a South African single–centre experience

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to report on our experience with upper limb ischaemia (ULI), to define the pattern and distribution of disease, describe key demographic features and report on conventional clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a single–centre, retrospective, descriptive study. All patients (n = 64) who underwent a surgical intervention for ULI over a 12–year study period were included. Findings were analysed and compared with the current literature. RESULTS: A male:female ratio of 0.60 was reported. Two major subgroups of patients were identified. The patients in the thrombo–embolic subgroup (n = 30) were notably younger than expected (mean age 55 years) compared to those in the atherosclerotic occlusive disease subgroup (n = 12, mean age 57 years). Presentation overall was generally late, with 8.6% of acute ULI and 48.3% of chronic ULI patients presenting with irreversible ischaemia and tissue loss, respectively. Thrombo–embolism was the dominant vascular pathology reported in this case series (47%). Ninety–five procedures were performed in 64 patients (89 open, six endovascular). Peri–operative (30–day) mortality rate was 7.8%. Systemic and procedure–related complications were observed in 13 and 23%, respectively. The overall major amputation rate was 10.9%. Adherence to follow up was poor (51% at six months). CONCLUSION: Although few firm conclusions could be drawn, this review has expanded our overall perspective of ULI, specific to the population we serve. Collaboration between African vascular units should be encouraged in an attempt to further define the pattern of ULI by identifying distinct geographical confounders.