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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 aorta.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
Last Revised October 14, 2011

Last Revised: October 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery

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