Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome Successfully Managed with Intravenous Prostaglandin E1 and Heparin and with Correction of the Thrombogenic Risk Profile

Abstract

A fifty-one-year-old man presented with a history, symptoms, and clinical findings typical of a hypothenar hammer syndrome in his dominant hand. A thrombotic obstruction in the distal section of the ulnar artery with multiple downstream occlusions of proper digital arteries were documented angiographically. Coexistence of additional cardiovascular risk factors (smoking-induced polycythemia, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperten sion) was identified. Conservative management with intravenous heparin and prostaglandin E1 together with measures directed at controlling the additional risk factors (repeated venesection, immediate smoking cessation, and low-lipid diet) resulted in a striking clinical and angiographic improvement of the digital perfusion, without resort to interventional measures or thrombolysis.