ABC of vascular diseases. Acute ischaemia of the leg.

Acute ischaemia of the leg is most common among elderly people, and is often diagnosed late and treated inadequately. The diagnosis should be straightforward but is often missed in its early, reversible stages. The cost to the community ofa lower limb amputation is sometimes more than £25 000, and the cost to the patient may be complete disintegration of their lifestyle because they are unable to manage with their prosthetic limb.