Management considerations for acute limb ischaemia complicating invasive squamous cell lung cancer
Lee R.
Management of acute limb ischaemia (ALI) in patients with significant, but not yet terminal, medical co-morbidities can be challenging. This case highlights the management considerations for a patient with a locally invasive squamous cell lung carcinoma, who developed unilateral ALI while receiving inhospital treatment for pneumonia. There were limited options for pain relief due to the inherent risk of respiratory complications. Treatment option for the ALI was likewise limited. Surgical thrombo-embolectomy was successfully performed under local anaesthesia. This offered full resolution of symptoms and allowed the patient to have one good night's sleep at last. © Mattioli 1885.