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Dermatology Glossary
Atherosclerotic artery disease
Peripheral atherosclerosis produces, in addition to intermittent claudication and ischemia, sometimes frank gangrene.
Initial signs of a compromised arterial supply can be, paradoxically, hyperemia. This reactive hyperemia may be associated with some tenderness.
The development of blanched tissue, most frequently all or part of a digit, signals a further deterioration of blood supply. The juncture between the blanched tissue and the hyperemic tissue frequently will show a violaceous hue. The blanched tissue may eventuate to full necrosis.
Treatment:
- Dietary lipid reduction may be helpful.
- The surgical correction of vessel obstruction may be necessary.
- Patients with evidence of vascular occlusion should avoid tobacco products, as these can further reduce blood flow.
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