Case Report Published on 14 Mar, 2024

When Time is Limb: A Rare Case of Acute Upper Limb Ischaemia

Acute Upper Limb Ischemia
Vol. 19 No. 1 : 2024 (307-314)

Ayob MA Ayob MA
Amran AM Amran AM
Takim M Takim M
Yahaya R Yahaya R
Jusoh AF Jusoh AF

Abstract
Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a medical emergency with a time-sensitive outcome. Acute upper limb ischemia (AULI) is less common than lower limb ischemia, and relatively few cases have been reported. It may cause significant disabilities and severe functional impairment even in the absence of overt tissue loss. Six hours window of presentation yielded a better outcome. However, diagnosing and treating within the time frame has always been a challenge. A high index of suspicion assisted with Doppler study in a limited-resources health centre is of sound importance as limb ischemia might be mimicked by other diseases. We illustrated a case of AULI with atypical presentation and successful revascularisation intervention.
Keywords : Acute upper limb ischemia, embolectomy, Emergency Department,
Abstrak
Iskemia tangan akut (ALI) merupakan kes perubatan kecemasan yang memerlukan intervensi yang segera dan menyeluruh.  Kes iskemia tangan (AULI) lebih jarang berlaku berbanding dengan iskemia tungkai bawah. Ia boleh menyebabkan kecacatan kekal dan kegagalan fungsi yang ketara. Rawatan segera dalam tempoh masa enam jam dari permulaan gejala akan memberikan hasil yang lebih baik. Walau bagaimanapun, ianya menjadi cabaran disebabkan oleh tanda klinikal yang tidak jelas dan proses penyiasatan yang mengambil masa yang lama untuk membuat diagnosis. Penilaian klinikal yang baik dibantu dengan penyiasatan Doppler adalah penting terutamanya kes berlaku di hospital yang tidak mempunyai peralatan yang canggih kerana iskemia tangan boleh disalahkenal sebagai penyakit lain. Kami menghuraikan kes AULI dengan tanda klinikal yang tidak klasikal dan  berjaya dipulihkan dengan intervensi segera. 
Kata Kunci : Embolektomi, iskemia tangan atas akut, Jabatan Kecemasan,

Correspondance Address
Azizul Fadzli Wan Jusoh @ Ab. Rahim. Faculty of Medicine, Medical Campus, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. Tel: +609-6275556 Email: azizulfadzli@unisza.edu.my

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