Leriche syndrome results from occlusion of the aortic bifurcation. Which clinical triad is characteristic?

• A Unilateral leg ischemia, hypertension, and abdominal pain
• B Bilateral lower limb claudication, absent femoral pulses, and impotence in males ✓
• C Bilateral claudication, thrombocytopenia, and elevated ESR
• D Lower limb ischemia, renal failure, and Raynaud's phenomenon

Explanation

Leriche syndrome is caused by gradual occlusion of the distal aorta at its bifurcation into common iliac arteries, typically due to atherosclerosis. The classic triad is: (1) bilateral lower limb claudication (calf, thigh, buttock), (2) absent or diminished femoral pulses bilaterally, and (3) erectile dysfunction/impotence in males (due to ischemia of the internal iliac territory supplying pelvic and erectile tissues via the internal pudendal artery). The skin may be pale and cool bilaterally. Treatment is aortobifemoral bypass or endovascular recanalization.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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