Lower limb arterial disease

Lower limb arterial disease is caused by an atheromatous plaque. Atherosclerosis causes arteries to narrow or to become blocked (occluded) reducing blood flow and causing several symptoms. The first symptoms occur during walking: cramps, pain in the calf, reduced step away .... This is the stage of intermittent claudication. If the disease is unrecognized or inadequately treated, this can worsen the arterial lesions with the appearance of pain during rest. Gangrene is the final stage of the disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to stop progression of the disease and to prevent major complications. Treatment may include medical therapy, minimally invasive procedures as balloon angioplasty and placement of stents, or may require bypass surgery.