Peripheral Vascular Disease

Question 1

What is the earliest lesion in the development of artherosclerosis?

Answer 1

Fatty streak

Question 2

Define claudication

Answer 2

Pain in the lower extremities when walking and relieved by rest

Question 3

Why is risk factor modification important in managing peripheral arterial disease?

Answer 3

PAD is associated with high cardiovascular mortality
PAD affects about 15% of the elderly population
PAD can cause critical limb ischemia requiring an amputation

Question 4

What complication of critical limb ischemia leads to amputation?

Answer 4

Gangrene

Question 5

Ankle brachial index asses what parameter

Answer 5

Systolic pressure in brachial artery and in dorsalis pedis and posterior tibia arteries

Question 6

An individual on bed rest following surgery - swelling in one leg, pain increases with walk/stand, warmth and redness. Why would you initiate emergent referral?

Answer 6

Suspect DVT with consequence of blood clot that may travel to the lung

Question 7

Weakness in the legs along with claudication in gluteal muscles would indicate arterial occlusive disease at what level?

Answer 7

Aortic bifurcation

Question 8

Occlusion in popliteal artery would result in absent pulses in what arteries

Answer 8

Posterior tibial and dorsal pedis