Peripheral vascular disease

Abstract

Peripheral vascular disease refers to any pathology that affects the blood vessels outside the brain or heart. Peripheral vascular disease is usually the result of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels resulting in insufficient tissue perfusion. Arteries are more commonly subject to atherosclerotic disease as compared to veins. Peripheral vascular disease is normally a chronic process, but it may present in an acute manner when thrombi, emboli, or acute trauma occur which can affect perfusion. Thromboses often occur in the lower extremities more frequently than in the upper extremities and may result from atherosclerotic plaques [1]. Emboli tend to carry higher morbidity because the extremity has not had time to develop collateral circulation. Whether caused by embolus or thrombus, occlusion results in both proximal and distal thrombus formation due to flow stagnation. Ultimately, this can result in tissue ischemia and necrosis.