Vasospasm control by intra-arterial reserpine.

Vascular spasm may complicate both traumatic injuries and disease processes. It may be severe enough that thrombosis and vascular compromise occur, causing tissue necrosis. Transient relief may be obtained by proximal sympathetic blocks, but these are not well tolerated by the patient and require repeated injections. This study shows that a single intra-arterial injection of 1.25 mg of reserpine into the branchial artery of human volunteers with a No. 25 needle produces a prolonged sympathectomy distal to the site of injection, with cutaneous flushing, increased temperature, and increased digital pulse wave recordings. It also eliminates the vasoconstriction normally caused by a cold stimulus. Using this dose, the side effects were minimal. No complications were encountered as a result of the technique. Low-dose intra-arterial reserpine is recommended for the treatment of reversible vascular spasm.