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Peripheral artery disease with claudication — ABIM Board MCQ

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EasyCardiovascularPeripheral artery disease with claudicationABIM Board

A 66-year-old man has calf pain after walking 2 blocks that resolves with rest. Ankle-brachial index is 0.62. He smokes and has LDL cholesterol 148 mg/dL. He has no rest pain, ulcer, or tissue loss. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Peripheral artery disease with intermittent claudication

Exertional calf pain relieved by rest with an abnormal ankle-brachial index is intermittent claudication from peripheral artery disease. Absence of rest pain or tissue loss argues against chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Reference: 2024 ACC/AHA Peripheral Artery Disease Guideline