The aim of this article is to report our experience in the diagnosis of two cases of iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy,
a rare entity occurring in high-performance athletes, presenting with intermittent claudication (right-sided in both) after
maximal exercise. External iliac artery endofibrosis or arteriopathy is a likely diagnosis in competitive athletes free of
cardiovascular risk factors who present with leg claudication. Arteriography and a papaverine-assisted mean pressure gradient
across the iliac arteries of more than 10 mmHg is a useful diagnostic approach. Moreover, balloon angioplasty of the iliac
artery in that patient, in whom a pressure gradient was detected, resulted in symptomatic relief for 2 months followed by
mild symptom recurrence. Thus, although balloon angioplasty is feasible and safe, it might not be adequate to treat this entity
and, thus, its value remains undefined.
Keywords Endurance athletes - External iliac artery - Endofibrosis - Rotational angiography - Pressure measurements - Angioplasty