Sudden Severe Left Leg in Surgery — 67yo Man | Vascular Surgery | SMLE Q#1066
SMLE Question #1066
Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Last updated: February 2026
A 67-year-old man was discharged 2 days ago after an acute anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. He now presents with sudden severe left leg pain at rest for 3 hours with pallor and coldness. The leg is pale and cold below the knee with delayed capillary refill and absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. Foot sensation is decreased, and toe movement is painful and limited. He has no history of claudication or known peripheral arterial disease. What is the most likely cause of his acute limb ischemia?
Continue in practice mode
Sign in and start a focused practice session to view options, submit your answer, and read the full explanation.