Leriche Syndrome(Archived)

Leriche syndrome, commonly referred to as aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), is a product of atherosclerosis affecting the distal abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, and femoropopliteal vessels. Leriche syndrome was first described in 1914 by Robert Grahman, but it was not until later that the symptoms were documented as a syndrome by Henri Leriche, a French surgeon and physiologist. The extent and localization of atherosclerotic occlusions relative to these arteries determine the classification of the disease. AIOD is classified as Type I when confined to the distal abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries, Type II when predominately distal abdominal aorta with disease extension into common iliac and external iliac arteries, and Type III when affecting the aortoiliac segment and femoropopliteal vessels. AIOD, when symptomatic, classically presents with a triad of claudication, impotence, and absence of femoral pulses. Claudication refers to cramping leg pain reproducible with exercise.