Topic Overview

Leriche's syndrome is the term used for a group of symptoms that are caused by a certain type of peripheral arterial disease of the legs. In Leriche's syndrome, blood flow in the aorta is blocked in the stomach area. This blocks blood flow to the legs. In men, blood flow to the penis is also blocked.

The following symptoms happen:

• Leg weakness or numbness.
• Pain in the thighs, hips, and buttocks (intermittent claudication).
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence).
• Weak pulse in the thigh arteries (femoral arteries).

See a picture of the aorta.