Peripheral vasculopathy
What is Peripheral Vasculopathy?
Peripheral vasculopathy is a type of vascular disease that affects the blood vessels in the extremities of the body. It is typically caused by different forms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), such as atherosclerosis, thromboangiitis obliterans, and Buerger's disease. These diseases are characterized by a narrowing or occlusion of the arteries supplying blood to the legs, arms, pelvis, and other parts of the body. The condition can lead to poor circulation, pain, and even tissue death, depending on the extent of damage.
Peripheral vasculopathy can affect the arteries in the arms, legs, pelvis, kidneys, and skin. One of the most common symptoms is intermittent claudication, which is leg pain caused by a decrease in oxygen-rich blood flowing to the legs.
Signs & Symptoms of Peripheral Vasculopathy
The most common symptom associated with peripheral vasculopathy is intermittent leg pain known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms may include:
- Usual leg fatigue
- Numbness in the legs
- Numbness in the hands and feet
- Leg cramps
- Weakness in the legs, feet, and hands
- Pain in the hips, buttocks, calves, and feet
- Sores and ulcers in the legs, feet, hands, and pelvis
Diagnosis & Treatment of Peripheral Vasculopathy
Doctors may diagnose peripheral vasculopathy with imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) angiogram, magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), or traditional angiogram. A doctor will also assess a patient’s lifestyle and family history, as well as physical examination, to diagnose peripheral vasculopathy.
Treatment for peripheral vasculopathy may include lifestyle changes, ranging from stop smoking, prevention of diabetes, and controlling high blood pressure, to diets low in sodium, sugar, and fat. Medications to thin blood and widen arteries, or revascularization, may also be used to treat the condition. In extreme cases, amputation of the affected limb may be necessary.