Which named sign in a patient with lower limb ischaemia indicates that the level of arterial occlusion is at the aortoiliac segment (Leriche syndrome)?

• A Buerger's sign — pallor on limb elevation
• B Leriche triad — bilateral buttock claudication, absent femoral pulses, and erectile dysfunction ✓
• C Fontaine stage IIb — claudication at less than 200 metres
• D Rutherford category 4 — ischaemic rest pain

Explanation

Leriche syndrome is caused by chronic occlusion of the infrarenal aorta and common iliac arteries, producing the classic triad of bilateral buttock and thigh claudication, absent or weak femoral pulses, and erectile dysfunction (due to impaired internal iliac perfusion). It is more common in men. Buerger's sign (dependent rubor, elevation pallor) indicates severe peripheral ischaemia but is not specific to aortoiliac disease. Fontaine and Rutherford are severity classification systems, not localization tools.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.