Via practica 3/2010

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the patient with lower leg lesion

Lower leg ulcer is considered rather as a symptom than a diagnose itself. It becomes one, once its cause has been established. The majority of ulcers are of vascular etiology and arterial lesions need to be distinguished from venous ones. Minority of ulcers is of special origin e.g. tumor, which has to be recognized. Probable etiology of an ulcer may be established according to clinical finding. However, more precise diagnose of vascular damage needs to be verified by some of the imaging methods. To exclude some of the more rare diseases one may use histological or microbiologic investigation methods. In special cases, detailed and specialized evaluation is needed and an interdisciplinary approach must be employed.

Keywords: lower leg ulcer, etiology, diagnostic