Femoral embolism

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of a femoral embolism?

Answer 1

The 6 P’s of an ischaemic leg:

1) Pain
2) Pallor
3) Perishingly cold
4) Pulselessness
5) Paralysis
6) Paraesthesia

Question 2

What investigations can confirm that a femoral embolism is the cause of an ischaemic leg?

Answer 2

1) BLOODS
- FBC (anaemia can aggravate ischaemia)
- ESR / CRP - (inflammatory vascular conditions)
- Lipids
- Clotting / thrombophilia screen

2) Doppler Ultrasound
3) Arteriography ( identify location and extent of blockage)
4) ECG / echocardio gram (identify source of embolus)
5) Chest Xray - examine condition of lungs.

Question 3

What are the treatment options for a femoral embolus?

Answer 3

1) SURGERY (within 4 - 12 hours , sooner depending on symptoms) - Embolectomy or intra arterial thrombolysis.
2) anticoagulants (heparin)
3) Statins