Limb ischemia is an obstruction of the arteries that seriously decreases blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet and legs) and has progressed to the point of severe pain and even skin ulcers or sores. Limb ischemia is often present in people suffering from severe cases of
peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Use the links below to learn more about the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and more for limb ischemia.
What are the causes of limb ischemia? Limb ischemia may be due to an acute condition such as an embolus or thrombosis, but most cases are the progressive result of a chronic condition, most commonly atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.
What are the symptoms of limb ischemia? The primary symptom of limb ischemia is called ischemic rest pain - severe pain in the legs and feet while a person is not moving. Ischemic rest pain is typically described as a burning pain in the arch or distal foot that occurs while the patient is recumbent but is relieved when the patient returns to a position in which the feet are dependent.
Other symptoms may include:
-
Pain or numbness in the feet
-
Shiny, smooth, dry skin of the legs or feet
-
Thickening of the toenails
-
Absent or diminished pulse in the legs or feet
-
Open sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal
-
Gangrene (dry, black skin) of the legs or feet
How is limb ischemia diagnosed? Your doctor will need to identify and locate the cause of blockages associated with limb ischemia. This may be done using one or more of the following methods:
How is limb ischemia treated? Limb ischemia is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to re-establish blood-flow to the affected area. The recommended treatment will depend on the location and severity of the blockages. The primary goal is to preserve the limb.
In some cases, minimally invasive endovascular therapy is an option. These procedures include:
If the arterial blockages are not favorable for endovascular therapy, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgical intervention includes:
- Revascularization (using bypass grafts, or arteriography)
- Amputation
What is the prognosis for limb ischemia? Patients with limb ischemia require life-long follow-up. Four-year survival rates as low as 40 percent have been reported in patients with critical limb ischemia. The majority of deaths in people with limb ischemia are caused by
coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease.
Close follow-up with a focus on preventing or managing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease may help extend life expectancy in these patients.
