Management of arterial emboli. Gleanings from 20 years of experience

Arterial embolism is usually caused by cardiac disease, and atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease is the primary precursor. Other cardiac states, as well as several uncommon causes, are part of the etiologic spectrum. The earliest signs are pain, paresthesias, pallor, and pulselessness. Severe ischemia is indicated by paralysis, a late feature. Arterial embolism and acute thrombosis can be difficult to distinguish, and deep venous thrombosis may also be suspected in the differential diagnosis. To restore arterial flow, anticoagulation treatment with heparin (Lipo-Hepin, Liquaemin) is given and surgical embolectomy is performed. Heparin infusion is continued until the patient is ambulatory, and then warfarin sodium (Coumadin, Panwarfin) is given over the long term. Fibrinolysis has also been used to treat acute arterial occlusion. Complications of embolism must be carefully guarded against, and additional procedures are sometimes necessary.