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Updated: May 8, 2026
08:16
High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Footpad Vasculature in a Murine Hindlimb Gangrene Model
Published on: March 16, 2022
[Leg ulcers]
U Wollina1, L Unger, C Stelzner
1Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Krankenhaus Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Städtisches Klinikum, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der TU Dresden, Friedrichstr. 41, 01067, Dresden, Deutschland, wollina-uw@khdf.de.
Der Internist
|September 6, 2013
Summary
Leg ulcers have diverse causes, necessitating accurate diagnosis. Chronic venous insufficiency is most common, but arterial disease, hypertension, diabetes, and rare conditions like pyoderma gangrenosum also cause leg ulceration.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pathology
Context:
- Lower leg ulceration is a common clinical challenge.
- Multiple etiologies contribute to leg ulcer development.
- Accurate diagnosis, often requiring biopsy, is crucial.
Purpose:
- To review the diverse causes of lower leg ulceration.
- To highlight common and complex differential diagnoses.
- To emphasize the importance of etiological classification for effective treatment.
Summary:
- Venous ulcers, stemming from chronic venous insufficiency, are the most frequent type, typically on the medial ankle.
- Arterial ulcers occur with severe peripheral arterial disease.
- Other causes include hypertensive ulcer Martorell (hypertension, diabetes), diabetic ulceration (necrobiosis lipoidica), pyoderma gangrenosum, and calciphylaxis.
- Malignant transformation of chronic ulcers and ulceration as a sign of primary malignancy are also discussed.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of leg ulcer etiologies.
- Aids clinicians in differential diagnosis and patient management.
- Underscores the need for precise diagnosis to guide therapeutic strategies.
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