[Characteristics of blood flow in the vertebral arteries in scalenus anticus syndrome].

The authors studied hemodynamics in the vertebral arteries in 62 patients with the scalenus-anticus syndrome by means of radioconstrast angiography and ultrasonic angiography which produced a colour image of the vessels with calculation of the diameter and the linear and volume blood flow rate. The results of the study showed that in constriction of the subclavian artery to 60% of its diameter in the typical place, the volume blood flow rate in the vertebral arteries remained normal (184 +/- 6.9 ml/min) but reduced 1.5-2 times during the functional test. Adequate surgical correction restored normal hemodynamics, control ultrasonic angiography recorded increase of the volume blood flow rate in the vertebral values to normal values. Ultrasonic angiography provides authentic information on the character of affection of the subclavian artery in the scalenus-anticus syndrome and makes it possible to appraise the hemodynamic significance of affection of the vertebral arteries. Besides, the method allows objective evaluation of the efficacy of treatment and quantitative characteristics of hemodynamics.