Arterial Disease of the Limbs - Presentation, Investigation & Therapy Flashcards
Name the arteries
How do you examine for the aortic pulse?
Above umbilicus
Use two hands to feel for pulsation vs expansion
How do you feel for the common femoral artery?
Mid-inguinal point, ½ way between Anterior Superior Iliac Spine and pubic symphysis
How do you feel for the popliteal artery?
Use both hands to feel deep in popliteal fossa – leg relaxed into your hands
How do you find the posterior tibial pulse?
½ way between medial malleolus and achilles tendon
How do you find the dorsalis pedis pulse?
Lateral to extensor hallucis longus tendon
What is the cause of CLI (critical limb ischaemia)?
Atherosclerotic disease of arteries supplying lower limb
What are the risk factors for CLI?
Male
Age
Smoking
Hypercholesterolaemia
Hypertension
Diabetes
What is stage 1 CLA according to the Fontaine classification?
Stage I: Asymptomatic, incomplete blood vessel obstruction
What is stage 2 CLA according to the Fontaine classification?
Mild claudication pain in limb
Stage IIA:
- Claudication when walking more than 200m
Stage IIB:
- Claudication when walking less than 200m
What is stage 3 CLA according to the Fontaine classification?
Stage III: Rest pain, mostly in feet
What is stage 4 CLA according to the Fontaine classification?
Stage IV: Necrosis and/or gangrene of limb
Which leg does claudication usually impact?
Bilateral
What is typical past medical history for CLI?
Other signs of atherosclerosis (MI, Stroke?)
What drug might a CLI patient be taking?
control of diabetes, aspirin
What is the significance of a CLA patient occupation?
Determines type of treatment
What are the signs of chronic ischaemia on examination?
Ulceration
Pallor
Hair loss
What should you feel during examination of CLA?
Capillary refill times
Temperature
Pulses
Peripheral sensation (particularly in diabetics)
Start at toes
Always compare sides
How do you auscultate for CLA?
Hand held doppler (ultrasound machine)
Listening to dorsalis pedis and posterior ribial pulses
What is the ankle brachial pressure index and what does it indicate?
- Ratio of ankle pressure over brachial pressure
- When exercising should be greater than 1 since leg muscles need lots of O2 so increased blood flow.
- At rest ratio should be around 1 less than 1 indicates obstruction of blood flow