Anatomic Factors Contributing To External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis In High Performance Athletes

Acute limb ischemia secondary to external iliac and common femoral artery dissection in a body builder

“…Repetitive trauma to the artery from hypertrophy of the surrounding muscles, such as the psoas major, has been associated with the formation of endofibrosis, most significantly at the L5 cross-section, which further confirms the possibility of localized trauma to the artery on a regular basis. 6 The etiology remains uncertain, but it is believed that chronic friction from hyperflexion of the hip joint may alter iliac artery anatomy. There is increased mechanical stress that results in traction and promotion of endofibrosis.…”