Leriches Syndrome - Symptom, Causes, Treatment

Leriches syndrome usually occurs in men and commonly also causes impotence (erectile dysfunction). Impotence is common in men with lack of adequate blood flow. Leriches syndrome is characterized by the triad of symptoms consisting of absent or diminished femoral pulses, claudication or pain with walking in the buttocks and legs and penile impotence. A person with leriches syndrome must stop smoking immediately, or symptoms will relentlessly worsen. Amputation is then likely to become necessary. Exposure to cold, which causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict), and use of certain drugs should be avoided. Wearing shoes that fit well and have wide toe spaces can help prevent injury to the feet. For people who quit smoking but still have leriches syndrome, surgeons may perform bypass surgery in an attempt to avoid amputation. Surgery to remove blood clots (thromboendarterectomy) can be performed when thrombolytic drugs are ineffective or too dangerous.

Causes of Leriches syndrome

Here are the list of the possible causes of Leriches syndrome:

• Diseases that affect the nervous system, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, long-standing diabetes, and Parkinson's disease.
• Anterior temporal-lobe lesions.
• Cigarette smoking.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Diabetes Mellitus.
• Disease of dorsal-root ganglia.

Symptoms of Leriches syndrome

Some sign and Symptoms related to Leriches syndrome:

• The syndrome is characterized by the triad of symptoms consisting of absent or diminished femoral pulses, claudication or pain with walking in the buttocks and legs and penile
• A recurrent, sudden, or uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Pain relieved with dependent position.
• A frequent need to urinate, sometimes every 2 hours or less.

Treatment of Leriches syndrome

Some most common treatmet of Leriches syndrome:

• Although there is no cure, specific symptoms can usually be relieved by treatment. For example, a corticosteroid applied externally (rather than by mouth) can help heal inflamed eyes and skin sores.
• Thalidomide is being investigated for use. Needle punctures should be avoided because the skin may become inflamed.
• Angioplasty is often performed immediately after angiography. Angioplasty may be performed to relieve symptoms and thus postpone or avoid surgery.
• Surgery to remove blood clots can be performed when thrombolytic drugs are ineffective or too dangerous.

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