[Peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Symptoms, basic diagnosis and staged therapy].

Intermittent claudication or rest pain are typical symptoms of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) affecting the lower limbs. The pain is localized one level below that of the occlusion. Initial investigations should determine skin temperature and color, pulse status, stenotic sounds and Doppler occlusive pressures. If intermittent claudication is present, angiography of the pelvis and legs then follows. Treatment is stage-dependent: while in stages I and IIa conservative treatment such as cessation of smoking, administration of acetylsalicylic acid and walking training suffices, stages IIb and higher require invasive measures extending from PTA to amputation of gangrenous parts of the limb.