Erectile dysfunction is often an early indicator of PAOD. In addition to the more classical symptoms of the condition (eg, loss of pulses, pain on palpation, and presence of bruit), physical examination may also reveal less specific symptoms and trophic changes, such as pallor, calf muscle atrophy, loss of extremity hair, thickened toenails, or cool and cyanotic skin. Still other patients are asymptomatic. In addition, not all patients are bothered by claudication, accepting a decreased capacity for walking distance as a part of aging.
Although osteoarthritis may be considered in the differential diagnosis of PAOD, this arthritic pain is variable from day to day and may be aggravated by certain weather patterns or movements; unlike in PAOD, rest does not relieve pain.
Learn more about the presentation of PAOD.
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Cite this: Arnold S. Baas. Fast Five Quiz: Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease Signs and Symptoms - Medscape - May 17, 2022.
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