ARTERIAL ULCERS

                                      ARTERIAL ULCERS

Arterial Ulcers

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This predominantly affects the superficial femoral and popliteal vessels, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. When the ischemia is severe enough, ulceration will develop.
Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is an inflammatory segmental thrombotic disease of the medium and small vessels of the extremities usually associated with smoking. This is a cause of peripheral arterial disease and ulceration.
Atheroembolism may cause peripheral arterial occlusion when proximal plaques break off and travel distally. This is referred to as cholesterol emboli or blue toe syndrome.