Prolonged Measurement of ¹³³Xenon Disappearance from Subcutaneous Tissue of the Foot

Abstract

¹³³Xenon dissolved in 0.9% NaCl was injected subcutaneously into the dorsum of the foot. In normals ¹³³Xe clearance increased when histamine was added, after indirect heating, and after posterior tibial nerve block. The changes after nerve block were as great as the changes in cutaneous blood flow, estimated from the initial clearance rate of ¹³³Xe introduced epicutaneously by diffusion. In acute severe ischaemia ¹³³Xe clearance was very slow, but in chronic gangrene abnormally high values were noted. Angiotensin infusion increased ¹³³Xe clearance in parallel with disappearance of ischaemic pain. Intermittent walking was not associated with a reduced cumulative clearance rate as measured over some hours.

Key Words:

• Angiotensin
• arteriosclerosis
• gangrene
• subcutaneous blood flow
• ¹³³Xenon