Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a serious condition in which there is inadequate blood flow and oxygen to a specific part of the body. It can occur anywhere blood flows including the limbs, heart, brain, or intestines. It is generally caused by a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Ischemia is serious form of peripheral artery disease that can cause tissue damage gangrene, ulcers & limb loss. CLI requires appropriate medical attention and will not improve on its own.
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What are the symptoms of critical limb ischemia (CLI)?
The most common symptoms of CLI is called ischemia rest pain (severe pains in the lower limbs while a person is not moving0 and/or non-healing sores in the legs or feet.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain or numbness in the feet
- Shiny, smooth, dry skin of the legs or feet
- Thickening of the toenails
- Absent or diminished pulse in the legs or feet
- Open sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal
- Dry gangrene (dry, black skin) of the legs or feet
Primary risk factors of CLI:
Risk factors are similar to atherosclerosis which includes smoking, aging, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of vascular disorders: atherosclerosis and/or claudication.
