Intermittent claudication: importance of etiologic differentiation as an aid in selecting therapy

Abstract

Intermittent claudication in the lower extremities is often manifested in either of two treatable forms, i.e., neurogenic or vascular. A thorough history and examination are necessary to distinguish between these two types. The main differential point is whether pain (vascular type) or a neurologic deficit (neurogenic type) develops as the patient exercises.