Causes of unequal pedal pulses

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Specializes in 2nd Year RN Student.

This may be a stupid question, but I've asked a few nurses that I know and they weren't possitive that they were coming up with everything either, so I thought I'd give it a shot on here.

What are some causes of unequal bilateral pedal pulses? Arterial insufficiency seems the most obvious, but what about venous problems such as DVT? Anything else that could cause these?

Thanks!

/dak

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peripheral vascular disease, aneurysms, thrombosis, some autoimmune diseases cause decreased perfusion to periphery... I'm sure the list goes on but their a couple off the top of my head

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Specializes in Utilization Management.
This may be a stupid question, but I've asked a few nurses that I know and they weren't possitive that they were coming up with everything either, so I thought I'd give it a shot on here.

What are some causes of unequal bilateral pedal pulses? Arterial insufficiency seems the most obvious, but what about venous problems such as DVT? Anything else that could cause these?

Thanks!

/dak

Would you really detect a DVT (venous) by pulse? I've gotten no pulse with a blocked leg artery, but with a DVT, I have gotten pulses.

I would also agree with arterial insufficiency as a cause of unequal pedal pulses. Another thought would be compartment syndrome.

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Specializes in Emergency.

that's interesting. thanks for the info.

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Specializes in IMC, ICU, Telemetry.

I had decreased pulses in my DVT leg r/t marked edema & venous congestion in that leg (massive ileofemoral DVT with >95% occlussion). Sluggish cap refill too. Seems it was so congested on the venous side and caused such edema that it increased pressure on the artieries and therefore decreased arterial blood flow as well. Dilation & inflammation of the vein also caused irritation to the sciatic nerve.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

Does the patient have a femoral line of any time?

arterial occulsion

PVD

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is the foot warm/dry. Godd cap refill. Then probably not a medical emergency.

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Specializes in 2nd Year RN Student.
is the foot warm/dry. Godd cap refill. Then probably not a medical emergency.

Well I hope it's not a medical emergency, because this topic is over 2 months old :)

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