Walter Redisch

Localized vascular dilatations of the human skin: Capillary microscopy and related studies

Abstract 1. 1. A classification of cutaneous vascular telangiectasias is presented, based on (a) observation and capillary photography, (b) the study of reactions to epinephrine and histamine, (c) the study of biopsies, and (d) post-mortem observations. 2. 2. It is concluded that the spider telangiectasias represent, basically, venous or possibly capillary structures, and that the possibility of development of typical “spider telangiectases” through an intermediate stage of the “arborizing” type should be considered. 3. 3. “Papular telangiectases” are of capillary nature.

Classification and measurement of surface microvessels in man

Abstract Capillary length, width, and number of loops per field have been measured in human surface microvessels. The nailfold was selected as a testing place because of its easy accessibility, the possibility to photograph the loops in all their functional parts, and because of comparative persistency of nailfold capillary patterns. The method of measurement is described and its limitations discussed. Subjects included for study were 37 individuals without clinical disease, 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 25 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). The clinical diagnoses had been established independently by the Rheumatic Disease Study Group at the New York University School of Medicine. The percentage distribution of capillary types found for each group is: normals, 71% within normal limits, 25% tortuous, 2% meandering, 2% general enlargement, and no giant loops; SLE, 21% within normal limits, 44% tortuous, 32% meandering, 3% general enlargement, and no giant loops; PSS, 23% within normal limits, 37% tortuous, 6% meandering, 14% general enlargement, and 20% giant. Measurements of capillary loops in each group have verified preliminary findings of an earlier study, i.e., transitional limb width is greater and the number of capillaries is smaller in PSS than in normals and in SLE. The usefulness of this approach is discussed in terms of possible significance of the findings.

Influence of Some Vasoactive Drugs on Fibrinolytic Activity

The phenomenon of fibrinolysis in thromboembolic disease is of great importance. In this communication the authors present striking evidence of fibrinolysis induced by drugs.

Peripheral circulation in health and disease

This monograph is a review and an evaluation of the information currently available concerning peripheral vascular disorders. The anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vascular tree and methods of evaluating blood flow are discussed. The alterations in blood flow occurring with specific pathological processes are described. Compensatory physiological processes are discussed. A comprehensive review of the current medical and surgical measures employed in attempting to correct these peripheral vascular functional and anatomical abnormalities, as well as general vascular disorders, is included. In the final part of the book the methods employed and results and significance of recent researches concerned with muscle vasculature are reported. The evidence presented in this interesting section suggests that classic anatomical and physiological concepts of the blood supply of muscles is in need of revision. Strong support for the proposed changes is provided by the excellent photographs of musculograms, stereoarteriograms, and microradiographs. The organization of this doubly indexed book into parts and chapters, the latter sometimes with vague headings, necessitates a considerable amount of time for the reader before he

Capillary studies in migraine; Effect of ergotamine tartrate and water diuresis

Abstract 1. 1. An attempt was made to study changes in the capillaries of the body surface with respect to their possible relationship to the migraine attack. 2. 2. Impaired visibility of the surface capillary outlines, or “blurring”, was observed during 142 migraine attacks in 118 patients. Its possible relationship to a physiologic mechanism is discussed. 3. 3. Changes in the visibility of the surface capillary vessels were found to follow a definite course subsequent to intravenous injections of 0.25 or 0.5 mg. ergotamine tartrate, in twenty of twenty-three instances. 4. 4. Observations during migraine attacks induced by forced water ingestion seem to indicate a definite relationship between the fluid balance of the body, the state of the peripheral capillaries, and the migraine attack.

Manifestation of Diabetic Microangiopathy in Nailfold Capillaries

An unusual morphologic capillaroscopic finding, named “nodular apical elongation,” is described. It was observed in both, diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, with a significantly higher occurrence in the diabetic patients. Reasons for considering this a part of generalized diabetic microangiopathy are discussed.

Vasomotor Responses in the Extremities of Subjects with Various Neurologic Lesions I. Reflex Responses to Warming

Vascular responses to warming were studied in hemiplegic patients and after sympathectomy, using venous occlusion plethysmography of foot and leg. Comparisons were made with corresponding age groups. The pattern of response was essentially unchanged in hemiplegic patients, but was altered substantially where sympathetic pathways had been interrupted.

Comparison of Various Vascular Beds in Man Their Responses to a Simple Vasodilator Stimulus

Blood flow to the extremities and kidneys was measured simultaneously in normal subjects, hypertensive patients and patients with obliterative arterial disease of the lower extremities. The latter group showed diminished basal flow in the lower extremities, increased basal flow in the upper extremities, and a delayed and diminished response to reflex heating, compared with the normal and hypertensive subjects. In all three groups, the increase in extremity blood flow was regularly accompanied by a concomitant decrease in renal blood flow. No significant change in arterial pressure was observed.

Skin Temperature Response of Normal Human Subjects to Various Conditions

Ten healthy volunteers (five males and five females), 25 to 41 years of age, were exposed to several different environmental conditions in a constant temperature room. It was found that at 20 C. and about 55 per cent humidity, about five hours after the last meal, the behavior of the temperature of the toe in contrast to that of the finger was consistent, reliable and reproducible. These conditions, somewhat cooler than those frequently used, were deemed suitable for testing vasodilator drugs or procedures.

Bone and Microcirculatory Changes in a Child With Benign Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor arising in the adrenal medulla or from chromaffin tissue located elsewhere in the body. In 1963, a review of the world literature uncovered about 100 cases in children (12). The tumor may be either benign or malignant. While bone metastases have been seen in the malignant type (4), to our knowledge, bone changes have not been reported in the benign. Case Report S. W., a 12-year-old white male, was admitted Aug. 10, 1963, with a one-year history of repeated attacks of chest pain following exertion and a complaint of dull ankle pain for several months. Since the age of three years, he had experienced intermittent episodes of excessive sweating, headaches, generalized weakness, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a thin, anxious boy with a waddling-type gait. The hands were puffy and slightly cyanotic. The heart was slightly enlarged; there was a systolic murmur. No other abnormalities were noted. The childs blood pressure ranged from 215/150 to 140/70 mm Hg during t...