USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Peripheral Arterial Disease
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USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Peripheral Arterial Disease
What is the pathophysiology?
Atherosclerotic plaques restrict the blood flow to the extremities
Which body part is most commonly affected?
Lower extremities
List the risk factors
Tobacco
Diabetes
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Which symptoms may the patient present with?
Intermittent claudication
Cramping pain in buttock, thigh, or calf after walking a certain distance
What are the findings indicative of advanced disease and limb ischemia?
Pain at rest
Painful, numb, and cold foot
Which test is confirmatory?
Angiography
How is it managed?
Antiplatelet agents
Cilostazol for claudication
Surgery, angioplasty, stenting or amputation if treatments fail or in cases of limb ischemia