Peripheral Vascular Disease “A Spectrum”

Abstract

Background: To observe the spectrum of peripheral
vascular disease presenting in a tertiary care hospital.
Method: This observational, descriptive study was
carried out in Surgical Unit –I at Holy Family Hospital,
Rawalpindi over a period of two years. All the patients
presenting with peripheral vascular disorders excluding
acute vascular trauma patients, diabetics and varicose
veins patients were included in the study.
Results: A total of 49 patients presented to the hospital.
The male to female ratio was 2:1.The average age of
presentation was 50.2 years. About 35% patients presented
with occlusive disease, 18% with autoimmune disease and
14% with embolism. The less common causes of peripheral
vascular disorders included femoral pseudoaneurysms in
8% patients and true aneurysms of iliac, popliteal and
subclavian arteries in 12% patients. Bilateral gangrene of
both lower limbs was seen in 4% patients.
Conclusion: Peripheral vascular disease is commoner
in males and is mostly seen in the sixth decade of life.
Atherosclerotic occlusive disease is the commonest cause
of peripheral vascular disease followed by vasculitis,
embolisms and aneurysms.