Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Arterial Insufficiency of the Lower Extremities: A Critical Review

摘要: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of chronic arterial occlusive disease lower extremities. The narrowing or obstruction that occurs as a result atherosclerotic process reduces blood flow to limb during exercise at rest. A spectrum symptoms results, severity which depends on extent involvement and available collateral circulation. Thus, may range from intermittent claudication pain Intermittent denotes develops in affected with relieved This usually distal obstruction. Since superficial femoral popliteal arteries are vessels commonly by process, often localized calf. aorta its bifurcation into two iliac next frequent sites involvement. Narrowing these produce buttocks thighs well legs. Epidemiological studies indicate up 5% men 2.5% women 60 years age older have claudication.1 2 prevalence least threefold higher when sensitive noninvasive tests used make diagnosis insufficiency asymptomatic symptomatic individuals.3 extremities progress rather slowly over time. after 5 10 years, more than 70% patients report either no change improvement their symptoms, while 20% 30% progressive require intervention, less 10% need amputation.4 Despite relatively benign prognosis for limb, however, should be viewed sign systemic atherosclerosis. explains why, compared …