Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
[Clinical study of patients with Crohn's disease and lower extremity arterial occlusive]
Wei-wei Wu1, Chang-wei Liu, Yong-jun Li
1Vascular Surgery Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100032, China.
Insights
Lower extremity arterial occlusive disease is a rare complication of Crohn's disease (CD), often affecting younger females. Surgical intervention like embolectomy is common, with anticoagulation recommended post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Arterial occlusive disease (AOD) is a rare extraintestinal manifestation of CD.
Observation:
- A case series of 9 patients with lower extremity AOD and CD was analyzed.
- Patients were predominantly female (8/9) and under 50 years old.
- Arterial occlusions occurred in both active and inactive stages of CD.
Findings:
- Aorta, iliac, renal, and mesenteric arteries were also affected in addition to lower extremities.
- Atherosclerotic findings like aortic plaques and iliac stenosis were common (7/9).
- Embolectomy or thromboendarterectomy were the primary surgical interventions, with 44.4% experiencing recurrent ischemia.
Implications:
- A comprehensive aortic inspection is crucial for patients with CD and AOD.
- Embolectomy is a frequently preferred surgical approach.
- Post-operative anticoagulation therapy is highly recommended to prevent recurrence.
Objective:
To conclude clinical character and treatment strategy of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease with Crohn's disease.
Method:
A female patient suffering lower extremity arterial occlusion and Crohn's disease was admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital in 2007. The other 8 similar cases with clinical details were found through a comprehensive literature search from 1966 to 2007. Clinical characters of these 9 cases were concluded.
Results:
All the cases were less than 50 years old and mostly female (8/9). Arterial occlusions occurred in either active (5/9) or inactive (4/9) stage of CD. Besides the arteries of lower extremities, other arteries could also be involved such as aorta, iliac artery, renal artery or mesentery artery. 7 cases had atherosclerotic arteriographic findings (4 had aortic artery plaques and 6 had iliac artery stenosis). Embolectomy or thromboendarterectomy were mostly performed. 4 cases (44.4%) had recurrent lower limb ischemia.
Conclusions:
Arterial occlusive disease is a rare extraintestinal manifestation of CD. A thorough inspection of aorta is necessary. Embolectomy is mostly preferred. Anticoagulation treatment is highly recommended after the operation.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
