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

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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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