Acute Ischaemia of the Upper Limb Due to Irradiation Arteriopathy

Abstract

A case is described of spontaneous brachial artery thrombosis occurring 37 years after irradiation of the elbow. Though irradiation arteriopathy is well recognised, this appears to be the first published example of involvement of the more distal arterial supply to the upper limb. Despite successful by-pass, is chaemic contracture gradually developed, emphasising the need for urgent re- vascularisation of the ischaemic upper limb.