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Upper Extremity Arterial Exam
 To perform this test, three separate blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arm and proximal and distal forearm. Doppler blood pressures are taken in each extremity, and the induced pressure curve (pulse volume recording) is analyzed. Patients suspected of Raynaud's Disease have Doppler blood pressures taken at the proximal and distal phalanges utilizing specially adapted digit cuffs. Retesting is performed after the hand is immersed briefly in ice water (cold water provocation). No patient preparation is required.
CLINICAL CONDITIONS
- Arterial insufficiency - diagnosis and quantification.
- Vascular surgery - preop evaluation and follow-up.
- Raynaud's Disease - diagnosis and follow-up of therapy.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome - evaluation
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
- Easy fatigue of arms.
- Pain and color changes of fingers, intermittent or permanent.
- Diminished or absent pulses.
- Cyanosis or pallor.
- Dizziness when using arm (subclavian-steal syndrome).
- Lower blood pressure in one arm.
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