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Published on: June 21, 2016
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACUTE UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITY ISCHEMIA DUE TO ARTERIAL EMBOLISM
T Tskaev1, A Tkhakumashev1, A Panov1
1S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy; I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University; I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University. Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Acute upper extremity ischemia (AUEI) from arterial embolism has a better prognosis than lower extremity ischemia (ALEI). AUEI patients experienced less severe ischemia and significantly lower in-hospital mortality due to fewer complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Arterial embolism is a critical cause of acute limb ischemia.
- Distinguishing between upper and lower extremity presentations is vital for prognosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare acute upper extremity ischemia (AUEI) and acute lower extremity ischemia (ALEI) caused by arterial embolism.
- Analyze differences in etiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and prospective analysis of 1,843 patients with embolic arterial occlusion.
- Comparison of demographic data, cardioembolic sources, clinical features, surgical management, complications, and mortality between AUEI and ALEI groups.
Main Results:
- AUEI patients were older and more frequently had non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
- AUEI typically involved distal occlusion, while ALEI had proximal distribution.
- AUEI showed a more favorable clinical course with significantly lower rates of severe ischemia (0.9% vs 9.4%) and in-hospital mortality (5.9% vs 14.7%) compared to ALEI.
Conclusions:
- Acute upper and lower extremity ischemia from arterial embolism are distinct clinical syndromes.
- AUEI demonstrates a more favorable clinical course, better collateral circulation, and less ischemic tissue volume.
- These factors contribute to substantially lower mortality in AUEI compared to ALEI.
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