Arterial ulcers

• What causes arterial ulcers?


  Inadequate blood flow through arteries
• What are some diseases that increase the risk of arterial ulcers?


  Peripheral artery disease

  Diabetes

  Rheumatoid arthritis
• What are some risk factors for devloping arterial ulcers?


  Smoking

  Poor nutrition

  Age

  Obesity

  Immobility
• Why do you get arterial ulcers?

  Insufficient blood supply to skin due to PVD
• Where are arterial ulcers usually found?

  Toes/heels

  Bony prominences
• What are some signs and symptoms of arterial ulcers?

  Pain eased by hanging foot out of bed

  Loss of leg hair

  Gangrene

  Deep punched out appearance

  No pulses

  Cold skin
• How do you examine for arterial ulcers (bedside)?

  Peripheral vascular exam - dec cap refill, +ve Buerger's test
• How do you scan for arterial ulcers and what would you see?

  Doppler USS

  ABPI <0.9