Acute Limb Ischaemia Flashcards
0
Q
What is the management of acute limb ischaemia?
A
Medical:
- Depends on degree of ischaemia, may be treatable with heparin and treatment of underlying cause
Surgical/radiological:
- Bypass graft
- If graft occluded - thrombolysis
- Pts with embolus may benefit from embolectomy
1
Q
What are the symptoms/signs of acute limb ischaemia?
A
- Pain
- Pallor/Pale
- Perishingly cold
- Paralysis
- Paraesthesia
- Pulseless
2
Q
Why must caution be taken when treating acute limb ischaemia?
A
Risk of reperfusion syndrome (toxins from necrotic muscle enter bloodstream when it is revascularised causing systemic upset)
3
Q
How is critical limb ischaemia defined?
A
Rest pain, ulceration or gangrene associated with absent pedal pulses, ABPI <0.5
4
Q
How is acute limb ischaemia investigated?
A
- Arteriography: visualizes aorta, femoral, popliteal and distal arteries on affected side.
- Duplex sonography
