Claudication in a young cyclist: a worrisome situation

Abstract

Introduction: Intermittent claudication is a familiar complaint in Primary Health Care and is associated with aging and atherosclerosis. However, in the young adult without risk factors, it is extremely rare. Case report: A 26 year-old professional cyclist presented with progressive worsening of intermittent claudication. The diagnosis was made six months after the onset of symptoms, when incapacitating claudication was already present. During this time he was seen by several doctors from different specialties and underwent various imaging studies, which did not demonstrate abnormalities. Iliac artery atherosclerotic stenosis was diagnosed, with recurrence after surgery and during medical treatment. This forced him to abandon his career at an early age. Comment: In young patients with complaints of pain or functional disability with exercise, even without risk factors for atherosclerotic disease, the possibility of arterial disease should be investigated. Iliac artery endofibrosis is under-diagnosed in our country. It is more common in high-level competitive athletes. This case is presented to alert and sensitize family doctors to a rare diagnosis that requires early diagnosis to prevent potentially serious complications.