Arterial embolisms in the extremities

Abstract The authors discuss the causes of development of embolism into the peripheral vessels. The most frequent site of embolism in the lower extremity is the a. femoralis communis and a. poplitea, in the upper extremity the brachial and cubital artery. Frequently a premonition of myocardial infarction is involved which was not reflected in ECG changes but was confirmed on autopsy. The most frequent source of embolization into the periphery is atrial fibrillation. The success of treatment depends on early surgical intervention (embolectomy), local thrombolysis and postoperative administration of anticoagulants. Late removal of the embolus causes local and general changes, loss of the extremity and increases the morbidity and mortality.