A 60-year-old female presents with an acutely ischaemic right lower limb. She has sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesiae, a...

Question

A 60-year-old female presents with an acutely ischaemic right lower limb. She has sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesiae, and paralysis of the right foot. She has a history of atrial fibrillation. What is the likely cause and what is the time-critical threshold?

Accepted Answer

Acute limb ischaemia from arterial embolism - the limb is threatened and revascularisation should occur within 6 hours

Answer

Chronic peripheral arterial disease - elective vascular referral

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis - anticoagulation within 24 hours

Answer

Compartment syndrome - fasciotomy within 12 hours

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy - urgent but not emergent

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Acute Limb Ischaemia

A 60-year-old female presents with an acutely ischaemic right lower limb. She has sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, pulselessness, paraesthesiae, and paralysis of the right foot. She has a history of atrial fibrillation. What is the likely cause and what is the time-critical threshold?