Acute limb ischaemia

Acute Limb Ischaemia (pronounced: a-kyoot limb is-key-me-uh) is a sudden decrease in limb perfusion, often causing severe pain and potentially leading to limb loss if not promptly treated.

Etymology

The term "Acute Limb Ischaemia" is derived from the Greek word "ischaimos" meaning "stopping blood" and the Latin word "acutus" meaning "sharp" or "sudden".

Definition

Acute Limb Ischaemia is a sudden onset condition characterized by a significant reduction in blood flow to a limb, typically the legs, due to a blockage in the arteries. This can result in severe pain, numbness, and in severe cases, tissue death and limb loss.

Causes

The most common cause of Acute Limb Ischaemia is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), where fatty deposits build up in the arteries and reduce blood flow. Other causes can include Embolism, where a blood clot or other substance blocks an artery, and Aneurysm, where a weakened artery wall bulges and potentially ruptures.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Acute Limb Ischaemia can include severe pain, numbness or coldness in the affected limb, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, tissue death and limb loss.

Treatment

Treatment for Acute Limb Ischaemia typically involves restoring blood flow to the affected limb as quickly as possible. This can be achieved through medication to dissolve blood clots, surgery to remove the blockage, or angioplasty to widen the artery.

Related Terms

• Peripheral Artery Disease
• Embolism
• Aneurysm
• Angioplasty

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acute limb ischaemia
• Wikipedia's article - Acute limb ischaemia

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