What condition requires immediate evaluation by a vascular specialist due to ischemic rest pain?

The condition that requires immediate evaluation by a vascular specialist due to ischemic rest pain is acute arterial occlusion. This condition occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a limb, often caused by a thrombus or embolus. Ischemic rest pain is a critical symptom that indicates severe impairment of blood flow, typically resulting in significant tissue ischemia and potential necrosis if not promptly addressed.

In acute arterial occlusion, patients may describe severe pain in their leg or foot, especially when at rest, and this pain is usually not relieved by positioning. Other associated signs can include coldness, pallor, or paralysis of the affected limb. Emergency treatment is often required to restore blood flow and prevent permanent damage.

In contrast, intermittent claudication, while it does involve pain due to inadequate blood supply, typically occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest, indicating a more chronic form of peripheral artery disease rather than an emergency. Restless leg syndrome primarily involves discomfort in the legs and is associated with an urge to move them, but does not result in ischemic symptoms. Chronic venous insufficiency, on the other hand, is related to venous return problems and does not typically present with rest pain indicative of acute arterial issues