The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Limb Ischemia

Sudden vascular occlusion of the arm or leg is an emergency with high risk of limb loss requiring revascularization within hours.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Limb Ischemia?

Acute limb ischemia is defined as sudden worsening of arterial blood flow to an arm or leg within 14 days. The most common causes are embolism and arterial thrombosis.

The 6 P (pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia) is used in clinical diagnosis. Rutherford classification determines the severity of ischemia and approach.

Early diagnosis and revascularization within 4-6 hours are critical for limb salvage. With delay, rhabdomyolysis, reperfusion injury and compartment syndrome may develop.

Symptoms

Sudden onset severe pain in limb
Pallor followed by cyanosis
Pulselessness
Numbness and tingling (paresthesia)
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Cooling of the extremity
Muscle stiffness and skin edema in advanced stages

Risk Factors

Atrial fibrillation
Peripheral arterial disease
Hypercoagulability
Recent cardiac procedure
Trauma or vascular injury
Bypass graft thrombosis
Smoking and diabetes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Apply to emergency immediately for sudden onset leg or arm pain
  • Do not delay if there is a cold and pale limb with pulselessness
  • Call 112 immediately if motion and sensation loss is present
  • Suspect when new limb pain occurs in patient with atrial fibrillation

Treatment Methods

01
Immediate hospitalization and keeping limb in neutral position
02
Anticoagulation with intravenous heparin
03
CT angiography or emergency vascular imaging
04
Catheter-directed thrombolytic or mechanical thrombectomy
05
Surgical embolectomy (Fogarty catheter)
06
Fasciotomy in presence of compartment syndrome
07
Intensive care follow-up after revascularization

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.