This differs from a dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm, which is when the walls of the artery weaken and balloon. Dorsalis pedis artery pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms are extremely rare.

Note that in a small number of patients, the dorsalis pedis pulse is absent. Once you have found a pulse, inflate the cuff slowly above systolic pressure until the pulse is no longer audible.

From the Department of Surgery, St. Louis University (address reprint requests to Dr. Barner at 1325 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63104).