Claudication in the Young Patient

Abstract

In young patients, generally defined as those under 40 years of age, intermittent claudication (IC) is relatively rare and represents a different spectrum of pathology from IC in older patients. Atherosclerosis in older patients is the most common etiology, but appears to represent a distinct clinical entity with a more virulent course. Furthermore, other causes of lower extremity ischemia play a more prominent role in young patients. These include: (1) popliteal artery entrapment syndrome; (2) traumatic occlusion; (3) adventitial cystic disease; (4) exercise induced compartment syndrome; (5) repetitive trauma; (6) congenital arterial anomalies; and (7) ergotism. We outline the important features of the various causes of (IC) in the young and review the facets of diagnosis and management of these patients.