Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the radial and ulnar arteries in hemiparetic patients after stroke.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate blood flow of hand arteries (using Doppler ultrasonography) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) in patients with hemiparesis.

METHODS

Fifty-six stroke patients (30 M, 26 F) with unilateral hemiparesis (age 53.5 ± 10.8 years, mean disease duration 12.0 ± 19.1 months) were included. The patients' arm and hand motor functions were assessed according to Brunnstrom's stages. SSR was evaluated bilaterally from median nerves at the wrist level. Radial and ulnar artery blood flow was measured at the wrist in the neutral position.

RESULTS

Both radial and ulnar artery volume flow and end diastolic velocity, and radial artery diameter were smaller on the paretic side (all p < 0.0125). Radial artery resistance and pulsatility index were greater on the paretic side (both p < 0.0125). SSR amplitude was lower on the paretic side of patients with right-sided hemiparesis patients (p = 0.009). Hand Brunnstrom's stage was negatively correlated with nonparetic-paretic difference in radial artery volume flow and SSR amplitudes (all p < 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Hand blood flow was lower on the paretic side and was accompanied by a similar decrease in SSR amplitudes in patients with right-sided hemiparesis.