Abrupt reduction of one of the limb's blood flow due to a sudden occlusion of the artery that is in charge of irrigating it, caused by a thrombus (blood clot).
It appears in patients liable to develop hypercoagulation, such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, traumatisms, dehydration, previous arterial reconstructions (presence of grafts), complications of a technique used for diagnosis, hypercoagulability states (antiphospholipid syndrome, cancer), medication, etc.
The occlusion is abrupt with very severe symptoms such as pain, paleness, sensory alteration and lack of pulse.
It is diagnosed through clinical questioning and a physical examination. It is confirmed through a study of the blood's circulation, a Doppler ultrasound, or an arteriography.
Anticoagulation treatment is applied and different types of surgery are performed according to its severity. This is a medical emergency and should be consulted immediately.
- Marc E Mitchell, Overview of acute arterial occlusion of the extremities (acute limb ischemia). UpToDate, Mayo 31, 2016.
- Hynes BG, Margey RJ, Ruggiero N 2nd, et al. Endovascular management of acute limb ischemia. Ann Vasc Surg 2012; 26:110.
- Skeik N, Soo-Hoo SS, Porten BR, et al. Arterial Embolisms and Thrombosis in Upper Extremity Ischemia. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2015; 49:100.
- M. Miralles Hernández. Enfermedades arteriales. Farreras-Rozman. Medicina Interna, 18e. Capítulo 70
- Mark A. Creager. Enfermedades arteriales de las extremidades. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 302.
