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Endofibrosis of Iliac Arteries in High-Performance Athletes: Diagnostic Approach and Minimally Invasive Endovascular Treatment

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology volume 29, pages 866–869 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of this article is to report our experience in the diagnosis of two cases of iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy, a rare entity occurring in high-performance athletes, presenting with intermittent claudication (right-sided in both) after maximal exercise. External iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy is a likely diagnosis in competitive athletes free of cardiovascular risk factors who present with leg claudication. Arteriography and a papaverine-assisted mean pressure gradient across the iliac arteries of more than 10 mmHg is a useful diagnostic approach. Moreover, balloon angioplasty of the iliac artery in that patient, in whom a pressure gradient was detected, resulted in symptomatic relief for 2 months followed by mild symptom recurrence. Thus, although balloon angioplasty is feasible and safe, it might not be adequate to treat this entity and, thus, its value remains undefined.

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Acknowledgement

A 2-year endovascular fellowship of V. Berczi was made possible by Cordis, Johnson and Johnson, UK.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK

    Athanasios D. Giannoukas, Viktor Berczi, Unnikrishnan Anoop, Trevor J. Cleveland, Jonathan D. Beard & Peter A. Gaines

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  1. Athanasios D. Giannoukas
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  2. Viktor Berczi
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  3. Unnikrishnan Anoop
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  4. Trevor J. Cleveland
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  5. Jonathan D. Beard
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  6. Peter A. Gaines
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Correspondence to Athanasios D. Giannoukas.

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Giannoukas, A.D., Berczi, V., Anoop, U. et al. Endofibrosis of Iliac Arteries in High-Performance Athletes: Diagnostic Approach and Minimally Invasive Endovascular Treatment. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 29, 866–869 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-004-0202-6

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Keywords

  • Endurance athletes
  • External iliac artery
  • Endofibrosis
  • Rotational angiography
  • Pressure measurements
  • Angioplasty