Peripheral Arterial Embolism

Peripheral arterial embolism is acute occlusion of a peripheral artery by an embolus (most often cardiac origin in atrial fibrillation), causing sudden limb ischemia (the 6 Ps: pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia). Treatment: emergency; immediate anticoagulation (heparin); emergent embolectomy (Fogarty catheter) or thrombolysis/thrombectomy; revascularization; fasciotomy if compartment syndrome; identify/treat embolic source (AF/endocarditis/aneurysm); long-term anticoagulation.

Common Symptoms

Sudden pain/pallor/pulselessness/paresthesia/paralysis/poikilothermia; by cardiac/arterial source

Causes and Pathogenesis

Cardiac/arterial embolus occludes a peripheral artery, causing acute limb ischemia.

Treatment

Emergency anticoagulation; embolectomy/thrombolysis; revascularization; fasciotomy; treat source

Preventive Measures

Anticoagulate AF; treat endocarditis/aneurysm; early recognition.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Vascular-surgery-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.