External Iliac Arteriopathy

What is External Iliac Arteriopathy?

External iliac arteriopathy is narrowing or blockage of the external iliac artery caused by repetition and heavy exercise. The disease appears to occur most often in high-performance cyclists.

Causes

Research has shown that a cyclist´s thigh is excessively bent while riding. That puts additional stress on the wall of the external iliac artery, as does the increased heart output that results from intense exercise. Additionally, the external iliac artery is prevented from moving during exercise by its origin in the pelvis and the athlete´s taut inguinal ligament.

Risk Factors

The disease appears to occur primarily among high-performance bicyclists who bicycle around 10,000 miles per year.

What are the Symptoms?

• Leg pain
• Leg cramping
• Leg numbness

How is External Iliac Arteriopathy Diagnosed?

• Angiography: A dye is inserted into the external iliac artery through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether the arteries are narrowed or blocked. Patients are imaged in the neutral position and also with their thighs flexed.
• Vascular lab: A patient can beare studied at rest and again after bicycling until symptoms occur.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas of poor blood flow. To do this, a patient iswill be injected with a contrast material – similar to a dye – to make blood vessels more visible.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography scan: X-ray slices of the arteries are taken to determine if there are any areas with poor blood flow or narrow arteries. A contrast agent – similar to a dye – is injected to make it easier to see the aorta.