Acute limb ischaemia Mate rehu ohotata iti ā-tinana

Acute limb ischaemia is the sudden lack of blood supply to an arm or leg. It is most commonly caused by a blood clot in an artery. It is a medical emergency.

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Causes of acute limb ischaemia

Acute limb ischaemia is usually caused by peripheral vascular disease which has led to a blood clot in an artery.

Peripheral vascular disease

Rarely, acute limb ischaemia can be caused by aortic dissection or an injury.

Aortic dissection

When to seek immediate medical help

Acute limb ischaemia is a medical emergency. If you have these symptoms below, go to a hospital emergency department or call 111 and ask for an ambulance.

The typical symptoms of acute limb ischaemia are referred to as the 'six Ps':

  • pain — your limb is painful, even when at rest
  • pale — your skin is pale or mottled (blotchy)
  • pulse — your limb does not have a pulse
  • perishing cold — your limb feels cold
  • pins and needles
  • paralysis — you cannot move the limb.

Complications of acute limb ischaemia

Acute limb ischaemia is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Without prompt treatment, you are at risk of losing your arm or leg.

Diagnosing acute limb ischaemia

Your healthcare provider will examine your arm or leg and ask you questions about your health. If they think you have acute limb ischaemia, they will arrange for you to go to hospital to see a vascular surgeon (a surgical doctor who specialises in blood vessels).

In hospital, they may arrange tests like a:

  • CT scan
  • doppler ultrasound
  • duplex ultrasound.

Tests for blood vessel problems

Treating acute limb ischaemia

Acute limb ischaemia is usually treated by surgery. The surgery might be:

  • angioplasty — where the surgeon inflates a tiny balloon in your artery causing it to widen, and possibly fits a stent (a small plastic or metal tube) to keep your artery open
  • arterial bypass — where the surgeon redirects the blood flow around the blockage
  • embolectomy — where the surgeon inserts a catheter into your blood vessel and removes the clot by suction.

Your healthcare provider might prescribe medication to dissolve the clot.

Preventing acute limb ischaemia

You cannot control all risk factors, but lifestyle changes can help you lower some risks. This means: