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Diagnosis and treatment of chronic lower extremity ischemia
1Department of Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
Insights
Chronic lower extremity ischemia, caused by atherosclerosis, affects millions. Advances in diagnosis and management improve outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Chronic lower extremity ischemia stems from progressive atherosclerosis in the aorto-iliac and/or infrainguinal arteries.
- This condition impacts millions, with a growing symptomatic patient population experiencing symptoms from mild claudication to gangrene.
- An aging population and improved longevity contribute to the rising prevalence of lower extremity atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of chronic lower extremity ischemia.
- To discuss the progression of atherosclerosis in lower limb arteries.
- To underscore advancements in managing peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Main Methods:
- The abstract does not specify methods but discusses the disease process and its management.
- It reviews the impact of atherosclerosis on lower extremity arteries.
- It touches upon diagnostic and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial occlusive disease have significantly progressed.
- Improvements have led to enhanced graft patency.
- Limb salvage rates and patient quality of life have seen positive changes.
Conclusions:
- Chronic lower extremity ischemia is a significant health concern due to atherosclerosis.
- Medical advancements have increased patient survival with generalized atherosclerosis.
- Progress in diagnosis and management offers improved outcomes for affected patients.
Abstract:
Chronic lower extremity ischemia is due to progressive atherosclerosis of the aorto-iliac and/or infrainguinal arteries. This disease process is of great importance as millions of patients are affected by lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. Most of these patients are asymptomatic but a growing number of them are symptomatic, with complaints ranging from mild claudication to gangrene. The increasing number of patients affected by lower extremity atherosclerosis is, in part, due to the 'graying' of the general population and to the medical improvements of the past three decades that have allowed patients with generalized atherosclerosis to survive longer. Fortunately, the diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial occlusive disease has also significantly progressed leading to improved graft patency, limb salvage rates, and quality of life for patients.