ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The total occlusion of the infrarenal aorta by atherosclerosis or a thrombus was first described in 1814 by the physician Sir Gilbert Blane from Glasgow and almost 100 years later defined by the French surgeon Rene´ Leriche (1,2). The condition is generally diagnosed between 40 and 60 years of age; its incidence is low (3). It is located at the aortic bifurcation obliterating both common iliac arteries (4). The main symptoms are fatigue in the lower limbs, cramps in the calf area, ischemic pain of intermittent bilateral claudication, absent or diminished femoral pulse, pallor and coldness of the feet and legs, and erectile dysfunction. Symptoms related to ischemia of the lower limbs may ultimately lead to severe impairment of walking capability, resting pains, and wheelchair dependence.
