Leriche Syndrome Presenting with Multisystem Vaso-Occlusive Catastrophe

Abstract

Leriche syndrome, also referred to as aortoiliac occlusive disease, has been described as a triad of claudication, impotence and decreased femoral pulses.1 The syndrome results from thrombotic aortoiliac occlusion and was first described by a French surgeon, Rene Leriche, in 1940.1–2 The disease most commonly occurs in men, and risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking.3 Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques such as abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) angiography assist the clinician in confirming the diagnosis. Treatment is primarily surgical and consists of aortoiliac endarterectomy and aortobifemoral bypass. Alternative procedures described are percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting, and axillofemoral bypass.4–5