Nonsurgical aortoplasty in Leriche syndrome.

The abdominal aorta was dilated with a pair of 9-mm balloon catheters in a patient with Leriche syndrome. The bilateral pressure gradient, initially 60 mm Hg, disappeared even after papaverine was injected. Balloon dilatation of the abdominal aorta may be an effective, safe nonsurgical technique, particularly in localized, noncalcified atheromata, and does not carry the risk of impotence seen with surgical endarterectomy or bypass.