Chronic exertional compartment syndrome in the differential diagnosis of peripheral artery disease in older patients with exercise-induced lower limb pain

ObjectivePeripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) both cause exercise-induced lower limb pain. CECS is mostly described in young individuals may therefore not be considered older patients with intermittent claudication. The aim of our study was to identify differences characteristics symptomatology between PAD that help recognizing ≥50 years pain.MethodsIn this case-control study, were selected from a prospectively followed cohort compared sample newly diagnosed years. A questionnaire assessed frequency severity pain, tightness, cramps, muscle weakness, altered skin sensation at rest during exercise.ResultsAt rest, (n = 43, 42% female, 57 years; range, 50-76 years) reported significantly more weakness (all P < .01) than 41, 39% 72 51-93 years). Having associated higher combined symptom score (P .02). During exercise, experienced .01), but pain cramps .36; .70). Exercise-induced complaints occurred much later (15 minutes vs 4 minutes; .01). Persistence over 4.5 proved most discriminative for the presence (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 54%; positive predictive value, 65%). Exercise cessation completely alleviated all 41) 73% 29) CECS. Ongoing discomfort strongly predicted 73%; 100%; 100%).ConclusionsPatients report pattern different PAD. These aid vascular surgeons identifying