Continuous imaging of regional blood flow in peripheral vascular disease using Krypton-81m: effect of Ketanserin, a new selective serotonin antagonist.

A new technique consisting of continuous intraarterial infusion of the ultra-short-lived 81mKr for the study of blood flow in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease is described. With the gamma camera high resolution images and typical time activity curves, reflecting local regional blood flow in the feet, could be obtained under resting conditions during reactive hyperemia and administration of vasodilating drugs. Preliminary promising results of Ketanserin, a new selective serotonin antagonist, in patients with impending gangrene and ulcerations are discussed.