Digital skin capillary flow of xenon-133 in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

An atraumatic method for measuring digital capillary blood flow with(133)xenon is described here. It has the advantage of not requiring the handling of xenon in the gaseous phase, and is a comfortable procedure for the patient. A study of rheumatoid patients without overt vaculitis, and controls showed similar values, suggesting that despite digital deformities, the digital blood flow of the usual rheumatoid is adequate.