Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is best described as:

• A. A hardening and narrowing of the arteries of the legs and feet which can lead to injury of the nerves and other tissues
• B. An infection of the joints
• C. An autoimmune inflammatory condition of the synovial lining
• D. A venous insufficiency causing edema

Answer: (A)

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease reflects atherosclerotic change that hardens and narrows the arteries supplying the legs and feet, reducing blood flow to muscles, nerves, and skin. This ischemia from arterial narrowing is what leads to tissue injury when demand for blood increases or when the disease progresses. It’s the arterial supply, not the joints or venous system, that’s impaired, so this description fits PAD.

The other scenarios describe different problems: an infection of a joint affects the joint itself, an autoimmune inflammatory condition involves the synovial lining of joints, and venous insufficiency mainly causes swelling from impaired venous return rather than arterial blockage.