External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis in a Female Cyclist: A Case Report

Ann Vasc Surg. 2019 Feb:55:310.e1-310.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2018.07.053. Epub 2018 Oct 2.

Abstract

External iliac artery endofibrosis is a rare disease described mainly in male endurance athletes. It presents as claudication of the lower limb during near-maximum effort. The patients lack the usual risk factors for atherosclerosis, which makes diagnosis challenging. We present a case of external iliac artery endofibrosis in a female competitive cyclist. The initial surgical management was complicated by early recurrence due to intimal hyperplasia. After secondary drug-eluting balloon angioplasty, the patient was able to resume competition. As such, it is important to maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating a patient presenting with claudication symptoms in this setting. Primary treatment is surgical, and in cases of early recurrence angioplasty may be indicated. Most patients can return to full activity after healing is complete.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angioplasty, Balloon / instrumentation
  • Athletes*
  • Bicycling*
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Iliac Artery / pathology*
  • Iliac Artery / surgery
  • Intermittent Claudication / diagnostic imaging
  • Intermittent Claudication / etiology*
  • Intermittent Claudication / pathology
  • Intermittent Claudication / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / etiology*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / pathology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / surgery
  • Recurrence
  • Retreatment
  • Treatment Outcome