Limb ischemia (decreased blood flow)


Description

A condition characterized by an inadequate blood supply to the leg or arm. The cells of the limb begin to die releasing material into the surrounding soft tissue producing swelling, and pain. There are many causes with the most common being atherosclerotic disease resulting in narrowing of the blood vessels. Other causes include: trauma, infections, and an embolus (blood clot).

Symptoms

Severe pain, swelling, cool arm or leg, numbness, weakness.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to measure the blood flow in the extremity will be performed. This may include an ultrasound or an angiogram.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: CT or MR angiogram, Standard extremity angiogram, ankle-brachial index (ABI), non-invasive vascular assessment (NIVA)

Specialists:
Vascular Surgery, Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and extent of the limb ischemia but may include: anticoagulation (such as heparin, warfarin, or enoxaparin), intra-arterial thrombolysis (a treatment to dissolve the clot), angioplasty, stenting, and/or bypass surgery.
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