Nerve conduction velocity and refractory period in peripheral vascular disease

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Abstract
The conduction velocity and the residual latency of the common peroneal nerve and the refractory period of the extensor digitorum brevis were measured in a group of patients with occlusive vascular disease of the lower extremity, and compared with those of a group of normal and elderly subjects. The results indicate that motor nerve and muscle are affected in peripheral arteriosclerosis. The conduction velocity showed a decrease of 16.9% for the patient group and of 6.7% for the elderly normal subjects when compared to the young group. The refractory period of the extensor digitorum brevis, after 10 min of provoked ischemia and 2/sec stimulation, increased 105.1% in the patient group, 17.8% in the young, and 28.9% in the elderly group. Correlations between the electrical responses and the state of muscle and nerve as influenced by chronic arteriopathy are discussed. Submitted on October 26, 1961