[Forecasting of the effects of lumbar sympathectomy by the radiothermometry with pentothal (author's transl)].

This test has been previously described and is used routinely by the authors since 1960. The method is based on the alternate arterial blood distribution between skin and muscle of a limb, depending on modifications in the vasomotor tone. Skin temperature, arteriography and progression speed of the contrast medium are measured simultaneously. The test shows the morphology of the arterial lesion. It measures vasomotor reserve by these parameters, especially the skin temperature, before and after administration of pentothal. Results are rated as good, average and poor. The authors have compared this test, performed before surgery, to the results of lumbar sympathectomy and found an excellent correlation. Late result of lumbar sympathectomy can thus be foreseen by means of this test provided no new organic lesion interferes with the hemodynamics of the limb.