A patient with critical limb ischemia (rest pain) has an ABPI of 0.35. She is not a candidate for revascularization. What is the CEAP classification stage for her condition?

• A C5 (healed venous ulcer)
• B C6 (active venous ulcer)
• C C3 (edema without skin changes)
• D This is arterial disease; CEAP classifies venous disease only ✓

Explanation

The CEAP (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology) classification system is specifically designed for chronic venous disorders. Critical limb ischemia (rest pain, ABPI <0.4) is an arterial condition classified by the Rutherford or Fontaine classification systems. Fontaine stage III = ischemic rest pain; stage IV = tissue loss/gangrene. CEAP C5/C6 refer to venous ulcers, not arterial insufficiency.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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