Question

Classify acute limb ischemia.

Hint:

Early detection and classification of acute limb ischemia are crucial for choosing the correct treatment approach and preventing irreversible limb damage.

Answer 1

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a sudden decrease in limb perfusion, which threatens the viability of the affected limb. It is classified into several types based on its etiology and the severity of ischemia:
Step 1: Classification Based on Etiology:
1. Arterial Occlusion: This occurs due to embolism or thrombosis, causing a sudden blockage of the artery. 2. Traumatic Injury: Severe trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to vascular injury and subsequent ischemia. 3. Aortic Dissection: Dissecting aortic aneurysms can also obstruct blood flow, leading to ischemia in the limbs. 4. Vasculitis: Inflammatory vascular diseases, such as Buerger's disease, can cause progressive ischemia in the limbs.
Step 2: Classification Based on Severity (Surgical or Clinical Classification):
1. Stage I: Viable Limb - The limb is salvageable, with no tissue death. 2. Stage II: Marginally Threatened Limb - Tissue death is imminent without timely intervention. 3. Stage III: Irreversibly Damaged Limb - The limb has undergone severe ischemia, and tissue is no longer viable.