Peripheral arterial disease can manifest as which of the following signs?

Peripheral arterial disease can manifest as which of the following signs?

• A. Red, swollen, warm skin
• B. Thick brittle nails
• C. Lack of hair on toes
• D. Cool, dry, shiny skin

Answer: (D)

Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow to the legs, leading to ischemic changes in the skin. When perfusion is diminished, the skin over the lower extremities becomes cool to the touch, dry, and shiny from tissue atrophy and loss of subcutaneous fat. These signs reflect arterial insufficiency, whereas red, swollen, warm skin points to inflammation or venous problems, and hair loss or thick, brittle nails can occur with chronic ischemia but are not as definitive as the cool, dry, shiny skin finding.

Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow to the legs, leading to ischemic changes in the skin. When perfusion is diminished, the skin over the lower extremities becomes cool to the touch, dry, and shiny from tissue atrophy and loss of subcutaneous fat. These signs reflect arterial insufficiency, whereas red, swollen, warm skin points to inflammation or venous problems, and hair loss or thick, brittle nails can occur with chronic ischemia but are not as definitive as the cool, dry, shiny skin finding.