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The physical examination 63
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Additional clinical findings
Right parasternal heave* Loud pulmonary component of
second heart sound*
4
S
1
A
2P2
Ejection systolic murmur
(pulmonary flow murmur) with
fixed splitting of second sound
Fig. 4.20 Atrial septal defect. The increased blood ow through the right heart resulting from the left to right shunt produces a pulmonary ow murmur, best
heard in the pulmonary area (left parasternal edge, second intercostal space).
right ventricular stroke volume to be signicantly larger than the left throughout the respiratory cycle.
Reversed splitting of S
(lub dubon inspiration; lub d-dub
2
on expiration; Fig. 4.19) occurs when left ventricular emptying is delayed so that the aortic valve closes after the pulmonary valve. Examples include left bundle branch block and severe aortic stenosis.
The aortic component of S calcic aortic stenosis. A loud pulmonary component of S important sign of pulmonary hypertension.
Third heart sound
The third heart sound (S3) is a low-pitched early diastolic sound best heard with the bell at the apex. It results from a brief period of rapid ventricular lling immediately after opening of the atrio­ventricular valves and is therefore heard after the second heart sound as lub dub-dum. It may be a normal physiological nding in children and young adults or during fever or pregnancy. However, after the age of 40 years, it is usually due to left ven­tricular failure or mitral regurgitation, with the rapid ventricular lling a consequence of high left atrial pressure at the onset of diastole. In patients presenting to hospital with acute breath­lessness, the presence of an S creases the likelihood of heart failure but its absence does not help to rule out heart failure. In the context of heart failure, S typically accompanied by a tachycardia and referred to as a galloprhythm.
Fourth heart sound
A fourth heart sound (S4) is less common than an S3and less useful in modern clinical practice. It is soft and low-pitched, best heard with the bell at the apex. It occurs just before S dub). It is caused by forceful atrial contraction against a non­compliant or stiff ventricle, most often with left ventricular hy­pertrophy due to hypertension, aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It cannot occur when there is atrial brillation.
Additional sounds
An opening snap is commonly heard in mitral (rarely, tricuspid) stenosis. It results from sudden opening of a stenosed valve and
is sometimes quiet or absent in
2
2
, on examination, strongly in-
3
(da-lub-
1
*If pulmonary hypertension has developed
occurs early in diastole, just after the S heard with the diaphragm at the apex.
Ejection clicks are high-pitched sounds best heard with the
diaphragm. They occur early in systole just after the S
is an
is
3
Fig. 4.21 Added soundson auscultation.
(Fig. 4.21A). It is best
2
,in
1
64 THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
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patients with congenital pulmonary or aortic stenosis (see
Fig. 4.21B). The mechanism is similar to that of an opening snap.
Ejection clicks do not occur in calcic aortic stenosis because the cusps are rigid.
Mid-systolic clicks are high-pitched and best heard at the apex with the diaphragm. They occur in mitral valve prolapse (see
Fig. 4.21C) where they are often associated with a late systolic
murmur.
A pericardial (friction) rub is a coarse scratching sound that is typically biphasic, with both systolic and diastolic components. It is best heard using the diaphragm with the patient holding their breath in expiration. It may be audible over any part of the pre­cordium but is often localised, varying in intensity over time and with the position of the patient. It is highly specic for pericarditis and present in 35–85% of cases. It is an important sign in contemporary practice because it is one of four criteria (along with characteristic chest pain, suggestive electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and new or worsening pericardial effusion) used to diagnose acute pericarditis; at least two of the four criteria need to be present.
Prosthetic valve sounds
Mechanical heart valves can make a sound when they close or open. The closure sound is normally louder, especially with modern valves. The sounds are high-pitched, with a metallic quality, are often heard without a stethoscope, and may even be palpable. A mechanical mitral valve replacement makes a metallic S
and a sound like a loud opening snap early in diastole (see
1
Fig. 4.21D). Mechanical aortic valves have a loud, metallic S
an opening sound like an ejection click at the start of systole (see
Fig. 4.21E); they are normally associated with a ow murmur.
Heart sounds arising from bioprosthetic valves usually sound similar to those of normal valves.
and
2
Murmurs
Heart murmurs are produced by increased velocity of ow through a normal valve or by turbulent ow across an abnormal valve, septal defect or outow obstruction.
Systolic murmurs
Causes of systolic murmurs are shown in Box 4.19.
Innocentmurmurs occur when stroke volume is increased, as in pregnant women, athletes with resting bradycardia or pa­tients with fever or anaemia. They tend to be low in intensity (grade 2), short in duration and best heard at the left sternal edge with no radiation.
The murmur of aortic stenosis is often audible all over the precordium with radiation to the suprasternal notch and carotid arteries (Fig. 4.22). It is a harsh, ejection systolic murmur that is usually loud and there may be a thrill. The absence of an ejection systolic murmur makes clinically signicant aortic stenosis extremely unlikely. In the presence of an ejection systolic murmur, several clinical signs support the diagnosis (see
Fig. 4.22) and moderate to severe stenosis is highly likely if three
or more of these are present.
Aortic sclerosis (thickening and calcication of the aortic valve without obstruction) produces a similar quality of murmur but it is
4.19 Causes of systolic murmurs
Ejection systolic murmurs
High cardiac output state: severe anaemia, fever, athletes (bradycardia
/ large stroke volume), pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, liver cirrhosis, arteriovenous stula.
Pulmonary ow murmur from increased RV stroke volume: atrial septal
defect; pulmonary regurgitation
Aortic ow murmur from increased LV stroke volume: aortic
regurgitation
Valvular stenosis: aortic stenosis; pulmonary stenosis
Other valve abnormalities: mechanical aortic or pulmonary valve; aortic
sclerosis (turbulent ow without signicant pressure gradient)
Subvalvular obstruction: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy;
subaortic membrane
Pansystolic murmurs
Mitral regurgitation
Tricuspid regurgitation
Ventricular septal defect
Late systolic murmurs
Mitral valve prolapse
less likely to radiate and is not associated with a thrill or other signs of aortic stenosis.
Mitral regurgitation is the most common cause of a pansystolic murmur and tends to have a ‘blowing’ quality. The most helpful feature in distinguishing it from other causes is its location (Fig. 4.23): a murmur that extends from the apex to the anterior axillary line – but is only audible below the third intercostal space – strongly suggests mitral regurgitation. With mitral valve pro­lapse, regurgitation begins in mid-systole, producing a late sys­tolic murmur (see Fig. 4.23).
The murmur of tricuspid regurgitation is another common cause of a pansystolic murmur. Localisation to the lower left sternal edge (only audible below the third intercostal space or lateral to the mid-clavicular line (Fig. 4.24 ), strongly supports the diagnosis, as does an increase in its intensity with inspiration, which increases blood ow through the right heart. Notably, the absence of a murmur does not exclude tricuspid regurgitation.
Ventricular septal defects also cause a pansystolic murmur. Small congenital defects produce a loud murmur audible at the left sternal border, radiating to the right sternal border and often associated with a thrill. Rupture of the interventricular septum can complicate myocardial infarction, producing a harsh pan­systolic murmur, typically accompanied by major haemodynamic compromise.
Diastolic murmurs
The murmur of aortic regurgitation (Fig. 4.25) may last throughout most, or even all of diastole, but is usually termed an early diastolic murmurbecause it is loudest in early diastole. It is best heard at the left sternal edge with the patient leaning for­wards in held expiration. Signicant aortic regurgitation increases
The physical examination • 65
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Additional clinical findings
Slow rising pulse* Reduced pulse volume* Narrow pulse pressure Apical heave Thrill in aortic region Reduced or absent second
heart sound over aortic area*
EC
S
1
Lean patient forward with
breath held in expiration to feel
thrill and hear murmur best
S
2
Radiation of murmur to carotid artery*
*In patients with an ESM, 3 or more of these features make moderate to severe aortic stenosis highly likely
Fig. 4.22 Aortic stenosis. There is a systolic pressure gradient across the stenosed aortic valve. The resultant high-velocity jet tends to be widely audible
throughout the praecordium, though it is best heard with the diaphragm in the aortic area. Alternatively, the bell may be placed in the suprasternal notch. In patients with bicuspid aortic valve, the ejection systolic murmur follows an ejection click (EC).
Apical pansystolic murmur
radiates to axilla
Additional clinical findings
Displaced apex beat Third heart sound
S
1
S2S
3
Variant: mid-systolic click/ late systolic murmur (mitral valve prolapse)
4
S1MSC S2S
Fig. 4.23 Mitral regurgitation. The murmur is best heard at the apex with radiation to the axilla and is usually audible only below the third intercostal space. It
typically begins at the moment of valve closure and may obscure the rst heart sound. It varies little in intensity throughout systole. In mitral valve prolapse the murmur begins in mid- or late systole and there is often a mid-systolic click (MSC).
S
1
S
Pansystolic murmur.
The murmur intensity
increases with inspiration.
Fig. 4.24 Tricuspid regurgitation. The murmur is usually heard only in the tricuspid area (left sternal edge, fourth intercostal space) and not at the other common
sites of auscultation. It typically begins at the moment of valve closure and varies little in intensity throughout systole. JVP, Jugular venous pressure.
3
Additional clinical findings
Elevated JVP with systolic cv wave
Pulsatile hepatomegaly Right parasternal heave* Loud pulmonary component of
second heart sound*
2
*If pulmonary hypertension has developed
66 THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
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Additional clinical findings
Large volume pulse Collapsing pulse Wide pulse pressure Prominent carotid pulsations
(Corrigan’s sign)
S
1
S
2
Displaced apex beat
Lean patient forward with
breath in held expiration
to hear murmur best
Fig. 4.25 Aortic regurgitation. There is an early diastolic murmur, best heard along the left sternal edge, with the diaphragm during held expiration. An
associated systolic murmur is common because of the increased ow through the aortic valve in systole.
left ventricular stroke volume so there is usually an associated systolic ow murmur – which may be more obvious than the diastolic murmur. Rarely, impingement of the regurgitant jet on the anterior mitral valve leaet can produce a mid-diastolic murmur akin to that of mitral stenosis (Austin Flintmurmur), but this sign has negligible value in contemporary practice.
Pulmonary regurgitation produces a similar murmur to aortic
regurgitation but is far less common.
Mitral stenosis causes a low-pitched, rumbling mid-diastolic murmur that may follow an opening snap (Fig. 4.26). The cadence sounds like lup-ta-ta-rru: lupis the S ta-tathe S
and opening snap, and rruthe mid-diastolic
2
(typically loud),
1
murmur. If the patient is in sinus rhythm, left atrial contraction causes presystolic accentuation of the murmur. The murmur is often difcult to hear but is best appreciated with the bell (using light pressure) at the apex with the patient positioned on their left side; it can be accentuated by exercise such as touching the toes or raising the legs up and down on the bed several times.
The murmur of tricuspid stenosis is similar but very rare.
Loud
S
1
S
2
OS
Loud
S
2
Roll patient towards left
to hear murmur best
Continuous murmurs
Continuous murmurs are rare in adults. The most common cause is a patent ductus arteriosus. In the fetus this connects the upper descending aorta and pulmonary artery, and normally closes just after birth. The murmur is best heard at the upper left sternal border and radiates over the left scapula. Its continuous character is machinery-like; as aortic pressure always exceeds pulmonary pressure, there is continuous ductal ow, with the greatest pressure difference in systole, resulting in a louder systolic component.
Interpretation of the ndings
Serious cardiac pathology such as ischaemic heart disease can occur in the absence of any clinical signs, so a clear history (combined with ECG and other basic tests) is vital to accurate diagnosis.
Additional clinical findings
Low volume pulse Tapping apex beat Loud S1 Opening snap Right parasternal heave* Loud pulmonary component of second heart sound*
*If pulmonary hypertension has developed
Fig. 4.26 Mitral stenosis. There is a pressure gradient across the mitral valve, giving rise to a low-pitched mid-diastolic murmur that is heard best with the bell
at the apex. Occasionally, an opening snap (OS) can arise due to the sharp movement of the tethered anterior cusp of the mitral valve at the time when the ow commences.
Investigations 67
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Identifying clinical signs of cardiac congestion – most notably an elevated JVP – is critical to the diagnosis, assessment, monitoring and treatment of cardiac failure, as well as other conditions such as cardiac tamponade.
Despite the availability of echocardiography, auscultation re­mains an important clinical skill: the detection of abnormal signs is required to guide appropriate investigation, and some diag­nostically useful auscultatory signs, such as a pericardial friction rub, have no direct equivalent on echocardiography.
Clinical examination also permits opportunistic detection of asymptomatic but potentially important cardiovascular disease, such as atrial brillation, valvular heart disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which can then be assessed further by appropriate investigation.
Investigations
Haematology and clinical chemistry
As anaemia can unmask angina or exacerbate heart failure, a full blood count is useful and helps guide the safe use of antiplatelet therapies and anticoagulants. Thyroid function should be assessed since thyroid disorders can cause or exacerbate most cardiac conditions. Urea and electrolytes are measured and liver function tests performed prior to starting therapies that may have impact upon renal function or cause hepatotoxicity.
Blood glucose and a lipid prole help identify patients with diabetes mellitus and assess cardiovascular risk. In patients with acute chest pain, cardiac troponin is measured to determine whether there is myocardial injury or infarction.
Electrocardiography
In performing a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG;
Fig. 4.27), the patient must be resting supine and relaxed to
avoid muscle tremor. Good contact between the electrode and skin is important and it may be necessary to shave the chest. The electrodes must be positioned correctly to obtain recordings made from the six precordial electrodes (V cordings from the limb electrodes (left arm, right arm and left leg). The right leg electrode is used as a reference. Conrm that the ECG is calibrated using a 1 mV signal prior to recording. The ECG plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis of acute cor­onary syndromes (most notably, ST segment-elevation myocardial infarction; Fig 4.27C), cardiac arrhythmias, acute pericarditis and inherited heart conditions such as cardiomyop­athies or congenital long QT syndrome.
Ambulatory ECG monitoring
Continuous ECG recording over 24–48 hours can be used to identify symptomatic or asymptomatic rhythm disturbances in patients with palpitation or syncope. If symptoms are less frequent, it may be necessary to use patient-activated recorders
) and six re-
1–V6
that record the heart rhythm only when the patient is symp­tomatic; the device is activated by the patient (Fig. 4.28).
Exercise ECG
An exercise ECG is useful in the diagnosis and functional assessment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Down-sloping ST segment depression, particularly when it oc­curs during minor exertion, or ST segment elevation, is of prognostic signicance and helps inform the need for invasive investigation with coronary angiography.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
A portable device can be worn by the patient at home that takes at least two BP measurements per hour. It is used to conrm the diagnosis of hypertension and provide a more reliable assess­ment of response to treatment.
Chest X-ray
The maximum width of the heart divided by the maximum width of the thorax on a posteroanterior chest x-ray (the cardiothoracic ratio) should normally be less than 0.5. An increased cardio­thoracic ratio is common in heart failure and some valvular le­sions. In the former this is often accompanied by distension of the upper lobe pulmonary veins, diffuse shadowing within the lungs due to pulmonary oedema, and Kerley B lines (horizontal, engorged lymphatics at the periphery of the lower lobes;
Fig. 4.29A). A widened mediastinum may indicate a thoracic
aortic aneurysm.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves to eval­uate cardiac structure and function. It permits measurements of chamber size and wall thickness, assessment of regional and global ventricular systolic funct ion and detection of abnormal valve morphology or motion. In addition, Doppler echocardi­ography, through visualisation of blood ow and measurement of blood velocity, enables detection and quantication of valvular stenosis or regurgitation and other lesions such as intracardiac shunts. Most echocardiography scans are per­formed through the anterior chest wall (transthoracic;
Fig. 4.29B). Transoesophageal echocardiography requires
sedation but gives high resolution of posterior structures such as the left atrium, mitral valve and descending aorta, and is useful in detecting valvular vegetations in infective endocarditis.
Radionuclide studies
Technetium-99 is injected intravenously and detected using a gamma camera to assess left ventricular function. Thallium and sestamibi are taken up by myocardial cells and indicate myocardial perfusion at rest and exercise.
4
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A
aV
R
B
C
N
P wave: atrial activation
PQS
P wave
QRS width
(< 0.12 s)
P–R interval
(< 0.20 s)
aV
L
aV
F
R
QRS complex: ventricular activation
(< 0.12 s)
(< 0.42 s at rate of 60/min)
V
1
T wave: ventricular repolarisation
Q–T interval
V
6
V
5
V
4
V
3
V
2
T
Fig. 4.27 Electrocardiography (ECG). A 12-lead ECG lead placement. B Normal PQRST complex. C Acute anterior myocardial infarction. Note the ST
elevation in leads V
and aVL, and reciprocalST depression in leads II, III and aVF.
1–V6
Investigations 69
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**
Fig. 4.28 Printout from a 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recording, showing complete heart block. Arrows indicate visible P waves. At times, these are
masked by the QRS complex or T wave (*).
LV
LA
4
A
CX
LM
LAD
CD
Fig. 4.29 Cardiovascular imaging. A Chest X-ray in heart failure. This shows cardiomegaly with patchy alveolar shadowing of pulmonary oedema and Kerley
B lines (engorged lymphatics, arrow) at the periphery of both lungs. ventricular apex. This is the site of a recent anterior myocardial infarct. LA, Left atrium; LV, left ventricle. occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. CX, circumex; LAD, left anterior descending; LM, left main. D Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Gadolinium enhancement image demonstrates regional uptake of gadolinium (white arrows) consistent with myocardial brosis in the territory of the LAD.
B
B Transthoracic echocardiogram in an apical two-chamber view, showing thinning of the left
C Coronary angiography. The arrow indicates an abrupt
A
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Cardiac catheterisation
A ne catheter is introduced under local anaesthetic via a pe­ripheral artery (usually the radial or femoral) and advanced to the heart under x-ray guidance. Although measurements of intra­cardiac pressures, and therefore estimates of valvular and car­diac function, are possible, the primary application of this technique is imaging of the coronary circulation using contrast medium. This is performed to inform and guide revascularisation, either by coronary angioplasty or bypass grafting (see
Fig. 4.29C).
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Computed tomography (CT), combined with cardiac gating permits high resolution imaging of the coronary arteries including coronary atheroma and calcication. CT is particularly useful for ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease (and thereby angina) in patients with chest pain who are deemed to be at low to moderate risk of coronary disease. It can also reduce the need for invasive investigation in patients with a low probability of occlusive coronary disease who require valve surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Fig. 4.29D) provides superior spatial resolution to echocardiography, together with an unrestricted viewing plane. It is the most accurate method of measuring cardiac volumes and ventricular ejection fraction and is the im­aging modality of choice for investigating the aetiology of heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy).
Carotid artery
Subclavian artery
Brachial artery
orta
Radial artery
Ulnar artery
Femoral artery
Popliteal artery
Posterior tibial artery
Dorsalis pedis artery
Fig. 4.30 The arterial system.
PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL SYSTEM
Anatomy and physiology
See Fig. 4.30.
The history
Common presenting symptom s
Leg pain
Asymptomatic ischaemia
PAD is recognised as a worldwide public health challenge with a concerning increase in prevalence over recent decades in both high- and low- income countries. Studies from Scotland suggest around 5% of men and women over 55 years of age experience intermittent claudication and a further 25% had evidence of asymptomatic PAD. The underlying pathology is usually athero­sclerosis affecting large and medium-sized vessels. PAD affects
the legs eight times more commonly than the arms. This is partly because the lower limb arteries are more frequently affected by atherosclerosis, but also because the arterial supply to the legs is less well developed in relation to the muscle mass. Haemody­namically signicant lower limb ischaemia is dened as an ankle­to-brachial pressure index (ABPI) of less than 0.9 at rest (p. 76). The Fontaine classication describes the progression of symp­toms that occurs as the atherosclerotic burden increases and the blood supply to the limb diminishes (Box 4.20).
4.20 Fontaine classication of lower limb ischaemia
Stage Description
I Asymptomatic
II Intermittent claudication
III Night/rest pain
IV Tissue loss (ulceration/gangrene)
The history 71
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Whilst the risk of limb loss is low even in patients with inter­mittent claudication (1–2% per year), PAD carries additional clinical importance because it has a very strong association with coronary and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease. There is an elevated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with PAD, and the mortality is double that of the age-matched population. Athero­sclerosis is a systemic disease, and it is therefore important that patients with PAD are identied and treated similarly to those patients presenting with coronary and cerebrovascular events.
Remember that many patients with PAD may be asymptom­atic either because they choose not to walk very far, or because their exercise tolerance is limited by other comorbidities such as cardiac disease.
Intermittent claudication
Intermittent claudication is pain felt in the legs on walking due to arterial insufciency and is the most common symptom of PAD. It is important to distinguish claudication due to arterial insufciency from other causes of lower limb pain, which include osteoarthritis, neurogenic claudication and venous claudication (Box 4.21).
Patients with intermittent claudication describe tightness or cramp-likepain that develops after a relatively constant distance; the distance is often shorter if walking uphill. The pain disappears completely within a few minutes of rest but recurs on walking. The claudication distanceis how far patients say they can walk before the pain comes on. The ‘total walking distance’ is how far they can walk before the pain is so bad that they have to stop.
The pain is felt in major muscle groups and its location de­pends on the level at which the arteries are diseased. The calf muscle is most commonly affected due to femoropopliteal dis­ease, while pain in the thigh or buttock suggests common femoral or aortoiliac obstruction. Male patients who have bilateral common iliac or internal iliac artery occlusion may develop Ler­iches syndrome, involving buttock claudication and erectile dysfunction.
Claudication is not in itself limb-threatening, although it is a marker for widespread atherosclerotic disease. With best med­ical therapy and supervised exercise programmes, 50% will improve, 30% will remain stable and only 20% will deteriorate further.
Any intervention for claudication is performed purely for the purpose of symptomatic relief, since only a small minority of patients progress to critical limb ischaemia. The patients age, occupation and comorbidities are important in determining the extent to which claudication limits their lifestyle. A postal worker who is only able to walk 100 metres is seriously limited, but an elderly person who simply wants to cross the road to the shops may cope well. While absolute distances are important, it may be more helpful to ask specic questions about how symptoms affect the patients lifestyle:
Can you walk to the clinic from the bus stop or car park
without stopping?
Can you do your own shopping?
What are you unable to do because of the pain?
4
4.21 The clinical features of arterial, neurogenic and venous claudication
Arterial Neurogenic Venous
Pathology Stenosis or occlusion of major lower limb
Site of pain Muscles, usually the calf but may involve
Laterality Unilateral or bilateral Often bilateral Nearly always unilateral
Onset Gradual after walking the claudication
Relieving features On stopping walking, the pain
Colour Normal or pale Normal Cyanosed
Temperature Normal or cool Normal Normal or increased
Oedema Absent Absent Always present
Pulses Reduced or absent Normal Present but may be difcult to feel owing to
Straight-leg raising
arteries
thigh and buttocks
distance
disappears completely in 1–2 minutes
Normal May be limited Normal
Lumbar nerve root or cauda equina compression (spinal stenosis)
Ill-dened Whole leg May be associated with numbness and tingling
Often immediate on walking or standing up
Bending forwards and stopping walking Patient may sit down for full relief
Obstruction to the venous outow of the leg due to iliofemoral venous occlusion
Whole leg Burstingin nature
Gradual, from the moment walking starts
Leg elevation
Often visible varicose veins
oedema
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Night pain
The patient is woken with pain or numbness in the affected foot due to poor perfusion. Night pain develops because on lying, the benecial effects of gravity on perfusion are lost, and in addition, heart rate, BP and cardiac output are reduced during sleep. Patients may nd relief by hanging the leg out of bed or by getting up and walking around. On return to bed, however, the pain recurs and patients often choose to sleep in a chair. This leads to dependent oedema, increased interstitial tissue pres­sure, a further reduction in tissue perfusion and ultimately a worsening of the pain.
Rest pain
Rest pain occurs when blood ow is insufcient to meet the metabolic demands of the tissues, even at rest. Critical ischaemia is dened as rest pain (persisting for more than 2 weeks and requiring opiate analgesia) or tissue loss associated with an ankle pressure of less than 50 mmHg or a toe pressure of less than 30 mmHg.
Rest or night pain indicates severe, multilevel, lower limb PAD and requires urgent referral to a vascular surgeon, as failure to revascularise the leg usually leads to the development of tissue loss (gangrene, ulceration) and amputation.
In patients with diabetes it may be difcult to differentiate be­tween rest pain and diabetic neuropathy, as both may be worse at night. Neuropathic pain may not be conned to the foot, is associated with burning and tingling, is not relieved by de­pendency and is accompanied by dysaesthesia (pain or un­comfortable sensations, sometimes described as burning, tingling or numbness). Many patients with neuropathy cannot even bear the pressure of bedclothes on their feet.
Tissue loss (ulceration and/or gangrene)
In patients with severe lower limb PAD, perfusion is inadequate to support the tissues, and areas of tissue loss (gangrene) develop at the tips of the digits, gradually spreading proximally. Furthermore, even trivial injuries do not heal and cause ulcera­tion. Tissue loss often progresses rapidly and, without revascu­larisation, leads to amputation and/or death.
Tissue loss in the diabetic patient
Tissue loss in the diabetic patient (see p. 208) can progress rapidly and represent a surgical emergency, even if outward signs are relatively few. There are often a number of factors at play. These include poor perfusion at the major vessel and microcirculatory levels, sensory and motor neuropathy, loss of foot architecture, concomitant renal dysfunction, increased susceptibility to infection and even delayed identication of the problem due to visual and sensory impairment.
Acute limb ischaemia
The classical features of acute limb ischaemia are the six Ps (Box 4.22). Pallor, pain, pulselessness and perishing cold are relatively early signs. Paralysis (inability to move the toes/ngers) and paraesthesia (numbness or tingling over the forefoot or dorsum of the hand) are the most important and indicate severe ischaemia affecting nerve and muscle function. Muscle
4.22 Signs of acute limb ischaemia
Pallor
Pulselessness
Perishing cold Paraesthesia
Pain (worse when muscle squeezed)
Paralysis
tenderness is a grave sign indicating actual or impending muscle infarction. A limb with these features will usually become irre­versibly damaged unless the circulation is restored within a few hours.
It is important to consider the most likely underlying cause:
Thromboembolism: usually from the left atrium in association with atrial brillation or myocardial infarction. There is usually no history of claudication.
Thrombosis in situ: thrombotic occlusion of an already nar­rowed atherosclerotic arterial segment (Box 4.23). In this situation the patient is likely to have a past history of claudication.
Reperfusion of the acutely ischaemic limb is time critical and patients often proceed to the operating theatre on the basis of high-quality clinical evaluation, without undergoing any further investigations.
Compartment syndrome
The perfusion pressure of a muscle is the difference between the mean arterial pressure and the pressure within the fascial compartment within which it lies. Compartment syndrome oc­curs where there is increased pressure within the fascial com­partments of the limb that compromises the perfusion and viability of muscle and nerves. The calf is most commonly
4.23 Acute limb ischaemia: embolus versus thrombosis in situ
Embolus Thrombosis
Onset and severity
Embolic source
Previous claudication
Pulses in contralateral leg
Diagnosis Clinical Angiography
Treatment Embolectomy and
Acute (seconds or minutes), ischaemia profound (no pre­existing collaterals)
Present Absent
Absent Present
Present Often absent, reecting
anticoagulation
Insidious (hours or days), ischaemia less severe (pre­existing collaterals)
widespread peripheral arterial disease
Medical, bypass surgery, catheter-directed thrombolysis