title: Critical limb ischemia.
abstract: Critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most advanced form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), carries grave implications with regard to morbidity and mortality. Within 1 year of CLI diagnosis, 40% to 50% of diabetics will experience an amputation, and 20% to 25% will die. Management is optimally directed at increasing blood flow to the affected extremity to relieve rest pain, heal ischemic ulcerations, avoid limb loss, and prevent cardiovascular events. This management is achieved by guideline-directed medical therapy and risk factor modification, whereas the mainstay of therapy remains revascularization by endovascular or surgical means for patients who are deemed potential candidates.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Medicine Graduated Fellow, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Southern California, 1510 San Pablo Street, Suite 322, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elsayed
authors.affiliation: Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program, Vascular Medicine and Peripheral Interventions, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Southern California, 1510 San Pablo Street, Suite 322, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Electronic address: lclavijo@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Leonardo C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Clavijo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States
keywords: Critical limb ischemia; Diagnosis; Endovascular; Guidelines; Management; Review