Question

What are the symptoms of the patient described as having low back pain, hip/butt/thigh claudication, impotence and atrophy of lower extremities, weak femoral pulses, and a bruit heard over the femoral area?

1) Hypertension
2) Peripheral artery disease
3) Osteoarthritis
4) Sciatica

Answer 1

The patient is likely experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which is characterized by narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis. Symptoms include leg pain, impotence, and weak femoral pulses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient described is likely experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by the narrowing of arteries, typically in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. Symptoms include low back pain, hip/butt/thigh claudication, impotence and atrophy of lower extremities, weak femoral pulses, and a bruit heard over the femoral area.

PAD often causes intermittent claudication, which is leg pain when walking that usually resolves with rest. Skin ulcers, bluish skin, cold skin, and poor nail and hair growth in the affected leg(s) may also be present. However, it's important to note that up to half of all cases of PAD do not have any symptoms at all.