A useful, objective criterion for determining the healing potential of an ischemic ulcer

Peripheral vascular perfusion studies utilizing intra arterial injections of radioactive microspheres were performed on 60 patients who had ischemic ulcers of the lower extremity. Point counting over the lesion and adjacent areas was utilized to qualitate and quantitate the relative hyperemia of the lesion. When this relative hyperemia was at least 3.5:1, approximately 90% of the patients had their ulcers healed. In those without this degree of hyperemia only approximately 10% eventually had their ulcers healed without surgical intervention. Assessment of relative hyperemia of the ulcer bed is a useful, objective, prognostic indicator of the healing potential of an 'ischemic' ulcer.