Missing limb ischemia in dark-skinned patients: The badinjal sign

Limb ischemia is acute, chronic, or acute on chronic, and the prevalence of the latter is rising with the presence of an increasing aging population. When occlusion to the flow of blood is sudden, it results in acute limb ischemia, the early diagnosis of which is vital for the salvage of the limb. I...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Edwin Stephen, Ibrahim Abdelhady, Ahmed Al-Aufi, Hanan Al-Mawaali, Khalifa Al-Wahaibi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Subjects:
hue
Online Access:http://www.indjvascsurg.org/article.asp?issn=0972-0820;year=2021;volume=8;issue=1;spage=102;epage=104;aulast=Stephen
Description
Summary:Limb ischemia is acute, chronic, or acute on chronic, and the prevalence of the latter is rising with the presence of an increasing aging population. When occlusion to the flow of blood is sudden, it results in acute limb ischemia, the early diagnosis of which is vital for the salvage of the limb. In chronic ischemia, the occlusion is progressive, and diagnosis can alter the quality of life for a patient, besides limb salvage. Dark skin tones are more common in Africa, India, Asia, and the Middle East. Diagnosis of limb ischemia is missed in this subset because the classical “pallor” described in Caucasians is not seen. It is seen as shades of duskiness, like the purplish hue on an aubergine – also known as Badinjal, Eggplant, or Brinjal. This article explains why there is a color discrepancy and a need for healthcare professionals to be aware, hence improving limb salvage.
ISSN:0972-0820
2394-0999