Clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease and the role of cilostazol in treatment of intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication (IC) is the symptomatic expression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which itself is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. Like other forms of atherosclerosis, PAD is associated with elevated rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Until recently, therapeutic options for the treatment of the symptoms of IC have been limited, and the efficacy of available treatment has been questioned. Cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor with vasodilator, antiplatelet, and antiproliferative properties, has recently been approved for the treatment of IC symptoms in the United States. Cilostazol significantly improves maximal and pain-free walking distances. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that cilostazol favorably alters plasma lipids (elevates HDL-cholesterol, lowers triglycerides). These properties may contribute to the benefit of this drug in IC and in other diseases secondary to atherosclerosis.