Pulse volume recording.

Noninvasive studies, in general, and pulse volume recordings (PVRs), in particular, play important roles in diagnosis, planning, and monitoring of therapy for vascular disorders of the upper extremity. Essentially, PVR is a useful screening tool to show whether hemodynamically significant vascular disease has produced alterations of digital flow patterns. PVR also has a role in differentiating between vasospastic and vaso-occlusive disease, in evaluating cold sensitivity, in monitoring medical and surgical treatments, and as a research tool. This method also has its limitations, which must be appreciated, to place the true role of this very useful noninvasive modality in proper perspective.