A new utilization area of near-infrared fluorescence imaging: Hypothenar hammer syndrome

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare traumatic vascular disease, which is characterized by pain and cold insensitivity in the areas fed by ulnar artery. Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) is the gold standard for the accurate diagnosis of it. Less invasive tests that are used to make decisions regarding the application of angiography, which is an invasive imaging method, have been reported in the literature. In this study, an indocyanine green-enhanced near-infrared fluorescence imaging system is used for the diagnosis of a patient with HHS who was not properly diagnosed with CTA. Although CTA is still considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of upper extremity vascular insufficiencies, indocyanine green-enhanced fluorescence imaging, being an easily applicable and lacking of radiation exposure, should be considered first before CTA.