critical limb ischemia
Pronunciation: KRIT-ih-kal limb is-KEE-mee-ah
Severe reduction in limb blood flow causing rest pain or tissue loss, representing end-stage peripheral arterial disease.
Full Definition
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) represents the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease characterized by chronic ischemic rest pain, non-healing wounds, or gangrene due to severely compromised blood flow. CLI is defined by specific hemodynamic criteria including ankle systolic pressure less than 50 mmHg or toe pressure less than 30 mmHg. Patients with CLI face significant risks including limb amputation and cardiovascular events. The condition requires urgent evaluation and revascularization when possible, as the natural history without intervention typically leads to major amputation within one year. CLI has recently been redefined as chronic limb-threatening ischemia to better reflect the urgency of the condition.
Usage
Usage note: Modern terminology prefers 'chronic limb-threatening ischemia' over 'critical limb ischemia.'
In Context
- "The patient presented with critical limb ischemia manifesting as ischemic rest pain and non-healing ulcerations." — emergency consultation
- "Urgent revascularization was indicated for critical limb ischemia to prevent below-knee amputation." — treatment planning note