comparison of features of arterial versus venous ulcers
Last reviewed 01/2018
venous vs arterial leg ulcers
assessment criteria |
venous disease
|
arterial disease
|
presenting history, physical and social risk factors
|
previous history of DVT
varicose veins
reduced mobility
traumatic injury to the lower leg
obesity
pregnancy
nonhealing ulceration
recurrent phlebitis
previous vein surgery
|
diabetes
hypertension
smoking
previous history of vascular disease
obesity
inability to elevate limb
|
position of ulceration
|
gaiter area of the leg
common site is medial aspect
|
lateral malleolus and tibial area are common sites as well as toes
and feet
over pressure points
|
|
|
ain
|
throbbing, aching, and heavy feeling in legs
improves with elevation and rest
|
intermittent claudication
can be worse at night and at rest
improves with dependency
|
ulcer characteristics
|
shallow with flat margins
often presents with slough at the base with granulation tissue
moderate to heavy exudate
|
punched out, occasionally deep
irregular in shape
unhealthy appearance of wound bed
presence of necrotic tissue or fixed slough
low exudate unless ulcers infected
|
condition of the lower leg
|
haemosiderin staining
thickening and fibrosis
dilated veins at the ankle
crusty, dry, and hyperkeratotic skin
eczematous, itchy skin
pedal pulses present
normal capillary refill (less than three seconds)
limb oedema is common
|
thin, shiny, and dry skin
reduced or no hair on lower leg
skin feels cooler to touch
pallor on leg elevation
absence or weak pedal pulses
delayed capillary refill (greater than three seconds)
development of gangrene
|
Reference:
- Agale SV. Chronic Leg Ulcers: Epidemiology, Aetiopathogenesis, and
Management. Ulcers 2013;vol. 2013, Article ID 413604, 9 pages
Related pages:
arterial leg ulcer
venous leg ulcers