Which condition presents with pulselessness and pain in the limb?

The condition that presents with pulselessness and pain in the limb is arterial occlusion. This condition occurs when blood flow to a limb is severely restricted or completely blocked, typically due to the formation of a blood clot in an artery. As a result of the occlusion, the affected limb may exhibit signs of ischemia, including pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, and most notably, the absence of pulse.

In contrast, deep vein thrombosis primarily involves venous obstruction and usually does not lead to pulselessness. Instead, it can cause swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected limb. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition affecting the nerves and primarily results in pain, tingling, and loss of sensation, but it does not cause vascular changes like pulselessness. Aortic dissection may lead to pain, especially in the chest or back, and can cause complications like limb ischemia; however, the key features of pulselessness and acute limb pain are more directly associated with arterial occlusion itself.

Understanding these distinctions is critical in clinical practice, as timely recognition and management of arterial occlusion can prevent severe complications, including limb loss.