Leriche's Syndrome

Topic Overview

Leriche's syndrome is the term used for a group of symptoms that are caused by a certain type of peripheral arterial disease of the legs. In Leriche's syndrome, blood flow in the aorta is blocked in the stomach area. This blocks blood flow to the legs. In men, blood flow to the penis is also blocked.

The following symptoms happen:

  • Leg weakness or numbness.
  • Pain in the thighs, hips, and buttocks (intermittent claudication).
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence).
  • Weak pulse in the thigh arteries (femoral arteries).

See a picture of the aortaClick here to see an illustration..

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerRakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Specialist Medical ReviewerDavid A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
Last RevisedOctober 14, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 14, 2011
Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery

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