UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Vascular

Title: Acute Limb Ischemia

Keywords: Ischemia (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/9/2008 by Rob Rogers, MD (Updated: 4/25/2024)
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Management of acute limb ischemia

Just a few pearls regarding acute limb ischemia

Presents with an acutely painful extremity (may be pale and cool as well)
Common etiologies include atrial fibrillation, embolism from aortic plaques, and thrombosis of extremity vessels
Most patients need to be anticoagulated (heparin)
Vascular surgery should be consulted immediately or the patient needs transfer to a facility that can handle acute vascular emergencies
Use caution when performing the physical examination, because there may be a pulse present
Perform bedside ABI to the best of your ability and document
Diabetics with stiff vasculature may have ABIs of 1 or greater so may be less reliable

Vasc Surg Reviews 2007