arterial ulcers

Question 1

what is as arterial ulcer?

Answer 1

1. ulcer caused by reduction in blood flow which leads to decreased perfusion of tissues and subsequent poor healing

Question 2

what are the clinical features?

Answer 2

1. small deep lesions
2. well defined borders
3. necrotic base
4. occur at sites of trauma and in pressure areas e.g. heel
5. absent pulses but sensation is usually maintained

Question 3

Ix

Answer 3

1. ABPI

2. Ultrasound / CT

Question 4

Mx

Answer 4

conservative/medical mx

1. stop smoking / lose weight / statins / antiplatelet

Question 5

surgical mx

Answer 5

1. angioplasty with/without stenting

2. bypass grafting