Evaluation of Feasibility of Ankle Pressure and Foot Oxymetry Values for the Detection of Critical Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

A total of 261 diabetic patients were admitted because of rest pain and/or foot ulcer in 1 limb. Ankle pressure (AP) and transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO₂) were measured, and digital subtraction arteriography was performed. Transcutaneous oxygen tension was <30 mm Hg in 213 patients and ≥30<50 mm Hg in 48 patients. Ankle pressure could not be measured in 109 patients. In 50 patients, AP was <70 mm Hg and in 102 patients, it was ≥70 mm Hg. Arteriography showed evidence of stenoses >50% of vessel lumen diameter in all patients. Major amputation was performed in 16 patients; AP was <70 mm Hg in 4 patients and ≥70 mm Hg in 6. It was not practicable in the remaining 6 patients. Transcutaneous oxygen tension was <30 mm Hg in 15 patients and ≥30 mm Hg in 1 patient. For diagnosis of critical limb ischemia (CLI) in diabetic patients presenting with rest pain or foot ulcer, measurement of TcPO ₂ is essential not only when AP is not measurable but also when this value is ≥70 mm Hg.