The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) value that indicates critical limb ischaemia with rest pain is:
- A ABPI 0.9–1.0
- B ABPI 0.6–0.9
- C ABPI below 0.4 ✓
- D ABPI 0.4–0.6
Correct answer: C. ABPI below 0.4
Explanation
Normal ABPI is 1.0–1.2. ABPI 0.8-1.0: mild PAD; 0.5-0.8: moderate PAD with claudication; below 0.5: severe PAD suggesting critical limb ischaemia; below 0.4: rest pain and tissue loss (critical limb threatening ischaemia — CLTI). An ABPI below 0.4 with rest pain and/or tissue loss mandates urgent vascular assessment for revascularization to prevent major amputation. ABPI above 1.3 indicates medial calcification (non-compressible vessels) as in diabetes.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.