A 52-year-old man complained of pain and cramping in his right calf caused by walking two blocks. The pain was relieved with cessation of activity. The pain had been increasing in frequency and intensity. Physical examination findings were essentially normal except for decreased hair on the right leg. The patient’s popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulses were markedly decreased compared with those of his left leg. Studies Results Routine laboratory work Within normal limits (WNL) Doppler ultrasound systolic pressures Femoral: 130 mm Hg; popliteal: 90 mm Hg; posterior tibial: 88 mm Hg; dorsalis pedis: 88 mm Hg (normal: same as brachial systolic blood pressure) Arterial plethysmography Decreased amplitude of distal femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulse waves Femoral arteriography of right leg Obstruction of the femoral artery at the midthigh level Arterial duplex scan Apparent arterial obstruction in the superficial femoral artery Diagnostic Analysis With the clinical picture of classic intermittent claudication, the noninvasive Doppler and plethysmographic arterial vascular study merely documented the presence and location of the arterial occlusion in the proximal femoral artery. Most vascular surgeons prefer arteriography to document the location of the vascular occlusion. The patient underwent a bypass from the proximal femoral artery to the popliteal artery. After surgery he was asymptomatic. Critical Thinking Questions 1. What was the cause of this patient’s pain and cramping? 2. Why was there decreased hair on the patient’s right leg? 3. What would be the strategic physical assessments after surgery to determine the adequacy of the patient’s circulation? 4. What would be the treatment of intermittent Claudication for non-occlusion?

1. The cause of this patient’s pain and cramping is likely due to a condition known as intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is caused by atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In this case, the obstruction of the femoral artery in the midthigh level is preventing adequate blood flow to the muscles in the patient’s right leg, leading to pain and cramping during physical activity. The pain is relieved when the patient ceases activity because resting allows the blood flow to catch up and supply sufficient oxygen to the muscles.

2. The decreased hair on the patient’s right leg is indicative of poor circulation. The hair follicles rely on a good blood supply to receive the necessary nutrients for hair growth. In cases of peripheral arterial disease, where blood flow to the extremities is compromised, hair growth is often impaired. This can manifest as decreased hair growth or even hair loss in the affected area. Therefore, the decrease in hair on the right leg is likely a result of the decreased blood flow caused by the obstructed femoral artery.

3. After the bypass surgery, strategic physical assessments can be conducted to determine the adequacy of the patient’s circulation. These assessments may include measuring the patient’s blood pressure in both the affected and unaffected leg to compare the blood flow in each. The pulses in the popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries can also be evaluated to ensure that blood flow has been restored to these areas. Additionally, the patient’s ability to walk without pain or cramping can be assessed to determine if the surgery has successfully alleviated the symptoms of intermittent claudication.

4. The treatment of intermittent claudication depends on the underlying cause. In cases where there is no arterial occlusion, lifestyle modifications and conservative management may be the first-line approach. This can include regular exercise, smoking cessation, and the management of underlying conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Additionally, medications such as antiplatelet agents, lipid-lowering drugs, and vasodilators may be prescribed to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. In more severe cases or when conservative measures are not effective, revascularization procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be considered.

In conclusion, this patient’s pain and cramping were caused by intermittent claudication, a symptom of peripheral arterial disease. The decreased hair on the right leg is a result of poor circulation in the affected area. Strategic physical assessments after surgery can help determine the adequacy of the patient’s circulation, and the treatment of intermittent claudication depends on the presence or absence of arterial occlusion.