An uncommon clinical presentation of acute limb ischemia: underscoring the role of perigenicular collaterals

Abstract

We present a case of atypical acute limb ischemia in a non-diabetic patient, with ankle–brachial pressure index of 0.6 and rest pain localized exclusively over the gastrocnemius muscle, sparing the foot. This uncommon presentation was attributed to an impaired perigenicular collateral network. Thrombolysis restored adequate perfusion only temporarily and was followed by thromboembolectomy. The ischemia presentation in our case underscores the importance of the adequacy of the perigeniculate collateral network for the perfusion of the tibial muscles and, especially, the gastrocnemius muscle.