Chapter 20, part 2 Flashcards
Etiology of acute lower extremity ischemia
either embolism of a clot or plaque from a proximal source or local development of thrombus
What are the six Ps of acute lower extremity ischemia?
Pain Pallor Paresthesias Pulselessness Poikilothermia Paralysis
What is the most common presenting symptom of acute lower extremity ischemia?
Pain
Paralysis in acute LE ischemia?
A late finding and is indicative of advanced ischemia
Systemic effects of tissue necrosis
Acidosis Hyperkalemia Myoglobinuria Renal failure Sepsis Death
What should occur once the clinical dx has been made?
It is more advantageous to proceed directly to arteriography and definitive management to maximize the likelihood of limb salvage
Management of acute lower extremity ischemia
Systemic anticoagulation with heparin should be instituted immediately
First step in dx and intervention is arteriography
Complications of acute lower extremity ischemia
Compartment syndrome- 2%
Minor catheter-related bleeding
Bleeding requiring transfusion
Hemorrhagic stroke
Characteristics of compartment syndrome
Pain with passive stretch of the muscles and increased compartment pressures (>20 to 30 mm Hg)
Dx of compartment syndrome
Made by hx, PE, and a high index of suspicion
Tx of compartment syndrome
Four-compartment fasciotomy of the leg
Most common sx of chronic lower extremity ischemia
Intermittent claudication
Rest pain
Ischemic ulcers
Frank gangrene
What will most pts report in chronic lower extremity ischemia?
Heart dz
DM
Kidney dz
HTN
PE of chronic lower extremity ischemia
Diminished peripheral pulses Hair loss Skin atrophy Nail hypertrophy Elevation pallor Dependent rubor
What is typically the initial symptom of chronic lower extremity ischemia?
Intermittent claudication
Claudication
Extremity discomfort, pain or weakness consistently produced by exercise and promptly relieved by rest.
Sx generally occur one level below the area of disease
What are the most common conflicting diagnoses of claudication?
Neurogenic leg pain caused by spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and diabetic neuropathy.
Critical limb ischemia
The presence of ischemic rest pain, the presence of tissue loss, or gangrene secondary to arterial insufficiency
Ischemic ulcers
Usually result from minor traumatic injuries, which fail to heal because of lack of adequate blood supply
They are most common in areas of focal pressure on the foot are usually dry and punctate
Ulcers of venous insufficiency
Mostly located superior to the medial malleolus and are often moist, superficial, and diffuse
Also associated with hemosiderin skin pigmentation and venous varicosities
Gangrene
Characterized by cyanotic, anesthetic tissue associated with necrosis d/t inability of the arterial blood supply to meet minimal metabolic requirements
Classification of gangrene
Can be classified as dry or wet
Dry is more common in pts with atherosclerotic dz and frequently results from embolization to the toes or forefoot
Elective amputation is required
Wet gangrene is more common in diabetic pts who sustain unrecognized trauma to the foot
Mandates either complete debridement of infected, nonviable tissue or guillotine amputation
Diagnostic tests for chronic lower extremity ischemia
Measurement of segmental systolic blood pressures
ABI
Pulse volume recordings (PVRs)
What ABI is considered nl?
> 1.0
Difference in management between PAD and chronic limb ischemia
PAD warrant medical therapy
-Initial management is antiplatelet therapy and risk factor modification
-Exercise therapy
Revascularization is indicated for all functional pts
Tx of aortoiliac occlusive dz
Endovascular therapy for single stenoses of the common iliac artery or external iliac artery shorter than 3 cm
Surgical revascularization for more complex lesions
In pts with hostile abdomen or high surgical risk who cannot be revascularized with an endovascular approach for aortoiliac occlusive dz, what is the tx?
Axillobifemoral bypass grafting
For pts with unilateral iliac dz not amenable to endovascular therapy, what is the tx?
Unilateral aortofemoral grafting
How is endovascular therapy for infrainguinal dz different from aortoiliac dz?
The patency rates are lower
No more than two focal stenoses less than 3 cm in length should be treated
The role of primary stenting is unclear
Bypass grafting is indicated when endovascular therapy is inappropriate or inadequate