[Peripheral vascular disease and diabetic foot]

Abstract

Peripheral vascular disease is one component of the diabetic foot. Diabetic patients should be assessed for lower limb arterial disease resulting from the high prevalence of this complication. Medical management includes the treatment of vascular risk factors, anti-thrombotic agents, and walking rehabilitation. Vascular testing is required in the presence of a foot wound. Ischemia alone is implicated in only 10% of foot wounds, whereas inadequate tissue perfusion is often a nonhealing factor. Managing a diabetic patient with a foot wound will be more effective in a dedicated center providing vascular assessment, a multidisciplinary pre concerted plan, and vascular management. Lowering the number of major amputations in the diabetic population requires better arterial evaluation and treatment (vascular functional testing and revascularization when possible).