[Diabetic arteriopathy of the lower limbs]

Abstract

Diabetic arteriopathy is a specific entity as it associates macro-angiopathy ischemia factor and micro-angiopathy leading to peripheral neuropathy. This association leads to specific clinical manifestations dues to interplay of ischemic and infectious phenomena. Diffuse occlusive lesions predominate distally with mediacalcosis. Wider surgical indications for revascularization of distal vessels of the leg, the ankle and the foot have reduced the number and extent of amputation. Long-term permeability after salvage surgery is identical to that in non-diabetic patients as shown by our series of 695 distal revascularizations. Endovascular techniques with or without stents or recanalization are alternatives which may be indicated in case of short occlusions or trophic disorders contraindicating surgery. Associating stents with conventional surgery may also be indicated in diabetic patients. One final progress in reducing the number of amputations has been provided by free-transfer micro-surgery techniques which allow both vascular supply and coverage of distal tissue loss.