[Arteritis of the lower limbs in diabetics]

37 cases of diabetic arteritis of lower limbs in diabetic patients were retrospectively studied, from 1988 to 1991. Mean age was 66 years. Masculine predominance was evident with a sex ratio of 1/10. The majority of our patients have consulted at a late stage with trophic disturbance of inferior limbs, indeed 18 patients were seen at the 4th stage. Mortification was observed in 55% cases. Arteriography has allowed to show an elective localization of lesions at the femoralis arteria, profunda femoralis arteria and distal axes. Operative indication was made in 22 patients. Conservative surgery was performed for 50% of the operated patients. Conservative surgery results had been relatively less satisfactory than for others arteritis, particular because of late consultation and the condition of diabetic patients.