Changes in hemodynamics of the carotid and middle cerebral arteries before and after endoscopic sympathectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: preliminary results

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to analyze the change in carotid and middle cerebral artery (MCA) hemodynamics before and after endoscopic upper thoracic sympathectomy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with PH (35 males and 33 females) for whom the average age was 24.5+/-10.7 years (+/- standard deviation) were recruited into this study. These patients all underwent routine upper T-2 sympathectomy to treat their PH. Ultrasonography studies of the carotid arteries (CAs) and MCA were obtained in each patient before and after T-2 sympathectomy. The blood flow volume, flow velocity, and resistivity index (RI) in the bilateral common CAs (CCAs), internal CAs (ICAs), and external CAs (ECAs) were evaluated using duplex ultrasonography. The systolic peak velocity, mean velocity, diastolic peak velocity, pulsatility index, and RI of the bilateral MCAs were evaluated using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Blood pressure and heart rate were also recorded during this study. The Student paired t-test was used to analyze the differences between studies before and after bilateral T-2 sympathectomy. There was a significant reduction in diastolic pressure after T-2 sympathectomy (p = 0.003), but not in systolic pressure or heart rate. The vessel diameter was increased after sympathectomy in the left CAs and right CCA. The T-2 sympathectomy led to significant elevation of blood flow volume and RI in the left CCA, ICA, and ECA (p < 0.05). The authors found significant increases in maximum flow velocity and RI in the left MCA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent T-2 sympathectomy demonstrated a significant increase in blood flow volume and flow velocities of the CAs and MCA, especially on the left side. Asymmetry of sympathetic influence on the hemodynamics of the CAs and MCA was noted. The usefulness of sympathectomy for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease deserves further investigation.