Medical uses of intra-arterial injections of reserpine. Treatment of Raynaud syndrome and of some vascular insufficiencies of the lower extremities.

Abstract

One hundred two patients with Raynaud syndrome have been treated with intra-arterial injections of reserpine. Two thirds of them had good or excellent responses when they were reevaluated after one month. Benefits continued in some patients for many months. There was no important difference in the clinical responsiveness between those with Raynaud disease (50 patients) and those with Raynaud phenomenon (52 patients). Some patients with vascular problems of the lower extremities, other than Raynaud syndrome, likewise benefited from the treatment. Side effects were mild in degree and patient acceptance of the procedure was good.