Which symptom may suggest an acute arterial occlusion?

The symptom that suggests an acute arterial occlusion is characterized by sudden pain and weakness in the affected limb. This is because an acute arterial occlusion typically represents a sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the body, which can result from a blood clot or embolism. The sudden onset of pain occurs as the tissues become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to ischemia. The accompanying weakness in the limb further reflects the acute nature of this condition, as the muscle and nerves are not receiving adequate blood supply to function properly.

In contrast, chronic symptoms such as swelling or persistent numbness would typically indicate a long-standing issue such as venous insufficiency or peripheral neuropathy, respectively. Intermittent claudication is a specific condition related to peripheral arterial disease, characterized by pain or cramping in the muscle during activity, which resolves with rest. This symptom indicates a chronic, rather than an acute, process of reduced blood flow rather than an immediate medical emergency like an acute arterial occlusion. Therefore, sudden pain and weakness is a hallmark sign that warrants immediate evaluation and intervention to restore perfusion to the affected limb.