What is the most probable diagnosis for a patient with sudden sharp pain in the right leg and absent pedal pulses in that limb?

The most probable diagnosis for a patient experiencing sudden sharp pain in the right leg accompanied by absent pedal pulses is acute arterial occlusion. This condition occurs when there is a sudden interruption of blood flow to an extremity, often due to an embolus or thrombosis that blocks the artery. The sudden onset of sharp pain is characteristic, as the affected limb experiences ischemia due to a lack of oxygenated blood.

In cases of acute arterial occlusion, the absence of pedal pulses indicates significant compromise in blood flow, supporting the diagnosis. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial to restore circulation, as prolonged ischemia can lead to tissue damage or necrosis.

Additional conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, may cause leg pain and swelling, but they typically do not result in absent pulses or the immediate, sharp pain characteristic of arterial issues. Peripheral neuropathy often leads to tingling, numbness, or burning sensations rather than sudden pain and generally does not affect pulse circulation. Intermittent claudication presents as pain during exertion with relief upon rest but is characterized by chronic symptoms rather than an acute onset, and pedal pulses are often present. Thus, the symptoms described strongly align with the diagnosis of acute arterial occlusion.