Which term best describes the condition of an extremity that is pale, cool and has lost pulses due to ischaemia?

Acute limb ischemia is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms resulting from a sudden decrease in blood flow to the extremities. In this condition, the affected limb typically presents with pallor (pale appearance), coolness to the touch, and diminished or absent pulse due to a significant drop in blood supply. This clinical picture suggests that the limb is under severe stress and potentially at risk of necrosis if not promptly addressed.

In acute limb ischemia, the sudden nature of the ischaemia implies that it is often a result of embolism, thrombosis, or trauma, leading to an urgent clinical situation. The immediate response typically includes restoration of blood flow, often requiring surgical intervention, to prevent irreversible damage to the tissues.

In contrast, chronic limb ischemia is a progressively worsening condition characterized by reduced blood flow over a longer duration, commonly as a result of atherosclerosis. While it can lead to changes in the limb, it does not present with the sudden onset or the acute symptoms described.

Peripheral vascular disease refers to a spectrum of disorders affecting the arteries outside of the heart and brain, but the term is more encompassing and does not specifically denote the acute, severe presentation that is evident in the case described.

Thermal injury, while