Non-traumatic acute ischemia of the lower limbs: Report of 112 cases

Acute limb ischemia is a common pathology. Etiological diagnosis is not always easy to make, and the prognosis depends mainly on the underlying cause and time management.

To report the experience of our service, and analyze the different aspects of ischemia and their support in the light of a review of the literature.

It is a retrospective study, from January 2009 to December 2013, with 112 hospitalized patients in our service for management of acute lower limb ischemia. Were excluded all patients admitted for trophic disorders and ischemia secondary to trauma. Were analyzed elements diagnosis and etiologic and therapeutic means.

Epidemiological data were collected. The reason for consultation was a coldness of member in 70% cases, pain in 79% cases, cyanosis in 56% of cases, pallor in 32% of patients and paralysis in 12% cases. In 25% of cases it was a consumed ischemia. Involvement of the left lower limb was dominant with 58% and bilateral involvement is reported in two cases. Doppler ultrasound was performed in 55% and CT angiography in 20% of cases. The origin was embolic in 85% of cases, atherosclerotic vascular disease in 8 case and a blue phlebitis in 6 case. We realized 28 amputations and we deplore seven deaths.

Acute ischemia of the lower limbs are more frequent than those of the upper limbs, they are serious and unpredictable course. An active and early approach to this pathology improves prognosis and avoid a disastrous outcome.