Essentials in the diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral arterial disease results from the atherosclerotic involvement of arteries of the upper and lower extremities as well as that of the renal and carotid arteries. In view of the importance of its early recognition we have summarized the clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and tests, and the current medical and surgical management including percutaneous revascularization. Algorithms that guide in the diagnostic steps and management decisions have been presented.