Basic data underlying decision making in nonatherosclerotic causes of intermittent claudication

Abstract

Although most cases of vasculogenic intermittent claudication are caused by atherosclerosis, there is an important minority of cases that are due to nonatherosclerotic causes. Because of their rarity and younger population affected, often without traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, there is frequently a significant delay in diagnosis of nonatherosclerotic peripheral arterial diseases by several months to years in some cases. Here, we review the literature on nonatherosclerotic causes of lower extremity claudication, symptoms, management including surgical and endovascular interventions, and outcomes. Conditions included are popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, cystic adventitial disease, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, persistent sciatic artery, fibromuscular disease, giant cell arteritis, iliac endofibrosis, neurogenic claudication, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome.