Table 1 Leriche-Fontaine classification of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Stage 1

Asymptomatic PAD. Absence of one or several peripheral pulses with no functional repercussions

Stage 2

Symptomatic PAD. Intermittent claudication manifesting as pain on walking, signs of muscle ischaemia on effort. ‘Mild’ intermittent claudication (stage 2a) if the walking distance is greater than 200 m or ‘severe’ (stage 2b) if the walking distance is less than 200 m

Stage 3

Severe PAD pain in the lower limb appearing at rest or in decubitus, a sign of permanent tissue ischaemia

Stage 4

Presence of trophic disorders or necrosis in the lower limbs, such as ulcers or gangrene, and indication of severe ischaemia in most cases leading to amputation