Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does My CT Scan Report Indicate?
Question: male age 94 having difficulty walking must use cane and limit distance to 3-400 feet. Taking Lasix 80 mg for edema in legs controlled with compressin stockings. 2009 CT quote "arterial plaque with focal greater than 50% stenosis in the proximal to mid left superficial femoral artery. current meds taken for hypertension, afib, bph,copd. Question: how can I improve or live with weakness in legs and thighs?
Brief Answer:
Several factors at play.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In order to discuss how to improve one must first identify the cause (or causes) for the weakness. Atherosclerotic plaques leading to diminished blood flow can limit walking distance but usually they manifest first with painful cramps with walking, not sure that is your case. Also at 50% it shouldn't really limit you, only if it has progressed over the following years. If that is the cause medical alternatives include either blood thinners or bypass surgery. I suppose you are already under blood thinners as they are given also when one has atrial fibrillation. As for surgery it has its own risks especially at your age. Anyway before even considering it, another imaging test would be necessary since the CT scan you mention is from 2009, almost 8 years.
If that narrowing of the artery has not progressed then other causes must be considered. If it is due to the insufficient work from your heart that must be addressed, edema is a common sign of advanced heart issues. If not taking enough oxygen due to COPD that should be addressed as well. What I am trying to say is that the issue may not lie in the limbs themselves but they are suffering secondarily from the many conditions you suffer from. It is hard to assess that without knowing much about the tests you've had, the stage of your heart and lungs issues.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several factors at play.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In order to discuss how to improve one must first identify the cause (or causes) for the weakness. Atherosclerotic plaques leading to diminished blood flow can limit walking distance but usually they manifest first with painful cramps with walking, not sure that is your case. Also at 50% it shouldn't really limit you, only if it has progressed over the following years. If that is the cause medical alternatives include either blood thinners or bypass surgery. I suppose you are already under blood thinners as they are given also when one has atrial fibrillation. As for surgery it has its own risks especially at your age. Anyway before even considering it, another imaging test would be necessary since the CT scan you mention is from 2009, almost 8 years.
If that narrowing of the artery has not progressed then other causes must be considered. If it is due to the insufficient work from your heart that must be addressed, edema is a common sign of advanced heart issues. If not taking enough oxygen due to COPD that should be addressed as well. What I am trying to say is that the issue may not lie in the limbs themselves but they are suffering secondarily from the many conditions you suffer from. It is hard to assess that without knowing much about the tests you've had, the stage of your heart and lungs issues.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
