Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a condition that’s unfamiliar to many people, but it can be a frightening diagnosis. Critical limb ischemia is a form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), typically arising from atherosclerosis. In other words, CLI isn’t a disease in and of itself but rather a condition associated with severe forms of PAD.
Critical limb ischemia is a chronic and severe condition that often produces significant pain and may limit mobility or function. Unfortunately, these symptoms are typically only the beginning, and the condition can eventually become much more dangerous. Understanding your prognosis and options is critical so you can work with your doctor to make an informed decision about treating your CLI.
What Leads to a CLI Diagnosis?
In a best-case scenario, your doctor may discover CLI as part of ongoing management and treatment for PAD. Early stages of CLI won’t always produce symptoms, so your doctor may discover the issue while performing other tests that evaluate blood flow or blood vessel narrowing and constriction.
In other cases, your doctor may only perform these tests after you develop symptoms. Early warning signs often include leg and foot pain, slow-healing sores and wounds, or numbness and tingling. Your cardiologist may suspect PAD depending on other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or family history.
Discovering CLI as early as possible will increase your treatment options and may lead to better overall outcomes. While many people write off leg pain or soreness as a minor problem, these symptoms can often be early warning signs. If you’re experiencing problems that may be related to CLI, you should contact a cardiologist as soon as you can.
What’s the Prognosis for CLI Patients?
CLI is a very severe condition, with some studies reporting a 50% survival rate at five years. However, these studies include patients who discovered their disease in later stages, reducing the options available for treatment. Additionally, other risk factors can significantly affect this prognosis and long-term outcomes.
However, it’s crucial to understand that any disease which affects blood flow can lead to potentially dangerous outcomes. CLI substantially increases risks for cardiac events as well as strokes. Because of these risks, patients with a CLI diagnosis should begin quickly working with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
The good news is that numerous options are available for treating CLI, depending on the severity and stage of the disease. While limb amputation may be necessary in some cases, early diagnosis and treatment can help save your limb while substantially decreasing the risks associated with CLI.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend treatment plans involving relatively non-invasive procedures. These options typically include endovascular treatments designed to help open and support the arteries, restoring blood flow and minimizing the risk of future complications. Your suitability for these procedures will depend on numerous factors, including the number and location of the blockages.
More extensive limb salvage surgery options may also be available. For example, a peripheral vascular bypass can, as the name implies, allow blood to flow around obstructions. These procedures are often slightly more involved than angioplasty and may involve longer recovery times but can provide better outcomes in certain situations.
The Cardio Vascular Institute of Scottsdale’s doctors have experience working with all forms of vascular disease, including advanced peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia. We can discuss your options based on your current condition and work with you to develop a treatment plan to avoid amputation. Call us today if you’re worried about your CLI diagnosis and ready to explore your treatment options.
