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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Atypical ischemic lower extremity ulcerations: a differential diagnosis
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. steven.dean@osumc.edu
Vascular Medicine (London, England)
|March 29, 2008
Summary
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes lower extremity ulcers, usually on the feet. Atypical leg ulcers may have different causes and locations, appearing on the thighs or buttocks.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a primary cause of lower extremity ischemic ulcers.
- PAD ulcers typically affect the distal extremities, including the feet, toes, and calves.
- Atypical ischemic ulcers present distinct characteristics from typical PAD ulcers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate atypical ischemic leg ulcerations from common PAD-associated ulcers.
- To explore the non-atherosclerotic etiologies of atypical leg ulcers.
- To present a differential diagnosis for proximal leg ulcerations.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations of atypical ischemic leg ulcerations.
- Comparison of clinical features between typical and atypical ulcerations.
- Analysis of potential non-atherosclerotic causes.
Main Results:
- Atypical ischemic ulcerations often involve the proximal leg (thigh/buttocks).
- These ulcers can develop despite palpable distal pulses.
- They may present with other skin findings like macules, purpura, nodules, or livedo reticularis.
Conclusions:
- Atypical ischemic leg ulcerations suggest etiologies beyond atherosclerosis.
- Recognizing these atypical presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- A comprehensive differential diagnosis is essential for proximal leg ulcerations.
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