QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
In chronic limb ischaemia, patients gradually develop a reduced blood supply to the limbs as a result of atherosclerosis. This patient presents with factors suggesting chronic limb ischaemia such as a smoking history and pain. However, the sudden onset nature of the pain is suggestive of acute limb ischaemia, as opposed to chronic. Furthermore, chronic limb ischaemia typically presents with intermittent claudication which is triggered by exercise and relieved by rest.
10001463
b
Chronic limb ischaemia
QuestionChoice
Compartment syndrome usually occurs secondary to trauma which this patient does not have a history of.
10001466
e
Compartment syndrome
QuestionChoice
This patient is suffering from acute limb ischaemia characterised by sudden onset pain caused by the blockage of the arterial supply to the foot. The features of acute limb ischaemia can be remembered using the 6 Ps: pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, perishingly cold and paralysis.
10001462
a
Acute limb ischaemia
QuestionChoice
Patients with critical limb ischaemia typically present with worsening pain and ischaemic lesions such as ulcers. A patient with critical limb ischaemia would be expected to experience pain at rest for more than 2 weeks.
10001464
c
Critical limb ischaemia
QuestionChoice
This patient does not present with risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In a patient with DVT, you would not expect the foot to be pulseless, cold and pale; it is more likely to be swollen, red and warm.
10001465
d
Deep vein thrombosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
3932
acute limb ischaemia
Topic
179
Vascular Surgery
12839
A 66-year-old female presents to A&E with sudden onset pain in her right foot. On examination, the foot is cold and pale, and the posterior tibial pulse is absent. Her past medical history includes hypertension and diabetes. She takes statins once daily and has a 15-pack-year smoking history.

What is the most likely diagnosis?
a