title: Challenges in diagnosis.
abstract: In an ideal world, all patients presenting with leg ulceration would undergo full investigations in order to confirm or refute the proposed aetiology. However, with economic constraints, it is imperative that available health resources are used to the maximum benefit. In our unit, selective investigation is based on the question of whether the result will alter the management of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer in Vascular Disease, the Department of Vascular Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: M-P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Colgan
authors.affiliation: Consultant Vascular Surgeon, the Department of Vascular Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Consultant Vascular Surgeon, the Department of Vascular Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Shanik