Arterial thrombosis is a blood clot that blocks an artery and cuts off the blood supply, and in the leg or arm it causes sudden pain, coldness and paleness. Arterial thrombosis treatment in the limbs is urgent and includes blood thinners and removing the clot with a catheter or surgery to restore blood flow. Dr. Walid Naser cares for these cases in Amman.
Note: A sudden arterial clot in a limb is an emergency and time matters. If your leg or arm suddenly becomes cold, pale or very painful, or you lose feeling or movement, go to the emergency department straight away; do not wait for an appointment.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually come on suddenly and include:
- Sudden severe pain in the leg or arm.
- A cold, pale or bluish limb.
- No pulse in the limb.
- Numbness or loss of feeling.
- Weakness or inability to move the fingers, toes or limb.
Causes
- A clot forming on an old narrowing caused by leg artery blockage.
- A clot travelling from the heart, for example with an irregular heart rhythm.
- A clot inside a peripheral artery aneurysm, such as behind the knee.
- Blockage of a previous stent or bypass.
- Injury to the artery or some blood clotting disorders.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on a quick examination of the limb and pulses, then imaging of the arteries to find the clot without delaying treatment.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- CT angiography or angiography with contrast dye.
- Heart tracing (ECG) and blood tests to look for the cause.
Treatment options
Treatment starts quickly and is chosen according to how severe the lack of blood flow is and where the clot is:
After blood flow is restored, your doctor looks for the cause of the clot to help prevent it happening again.
- Blood thinners given straight away by the medical team to stop the clot growing.
- Clot-dissolving medicine delivered directly into the artery through a catheter in selected cases.
- Removing the clot with a catheter, with balloon angioplasty or a stent if there is a narrowing underneath.
- Surgery to remove the clot through a small cut, or a bypass.
- In very late cases where tissue damage cannot be reversed, removing the damaged part may be discussed.
What to expect on the day and after
Treatment takes place in hospital with close monitoring of the limb after the artery is opened. The medical team will explain what to expect in your case.
- Checks on the colour, warmth, movement and swelling of the limb.
- Monitoring of kidney function and blood tests.
- Continuing blood thinners or other medicines as prescribed, depending on the cause.
- Treating the cause, such as an irregular heart rhythm, together with other doctors.
- Regular follow-up after leaving hospital.
When to book an appointment
Sudden symptoms need the emergency department, not an appointment. Book a follow-up visit if:
- You have been treated for an arterial clot and need follow-up.
- You have a previous stent or bypass and leg pain on walking has returned.
- You have a known peripheral aneurysm or narrowing and want to lower your risk of a clot.