In 9 patients with arterial occlusive disease of grade IV according to Fontaine, energy metabolism was measured in the calf muscle during rest, before and after lumbar sympatholysis, by means of 31phosphorus MR spectroscopy. The concentration of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and phosphocreatine (PCr) relative to high energy phosphates, as well as the pH value in muscle cells were assessed, and the quotient Pi/PCr was calculated for estimation of energy reserves. Before sympatholysis, normal concentrations of the energy suppliers ATP and PCr were unexpectedly found in combination with reduced cellular energy reserves. After lumbar sympatholysis, in most cases no significant changes of muscle energy metabolism were detected. Independent of the muscle energy supply, a slight increase in energy supply without returning to normal values was found in only three patients. In most patients the clinical symptoms had improved at least to some extent.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract