Arterial problems in athletes

Abstract

Athletes may experience arterial problems that may jeopardize their careers. If recognized promptly, operative intervention may permit a return to the highest level of sporting achievement.

Adductor canal compression syndrome in an 18-year-old female patient leading to acute critical limb ischemia: A case report

“…The syndrome is generally defined as compression of the superficial femoral artery in the adductor canal, an aponeurotic tunnel bordered by the vastus medialis (anterolaterally) and the adductor longus and magnus muscles (posteriorly). This source of the external compression varies from case-to-case but may be due to “embryologic” fibrous bands [5], [7], an anomalous musculotendinous band arising from the adductor magnus muscle [4] and hypertrophied adductor magnus or vastus medialis muscles [8]. Symptoms usually begin as exercise induced claudication but can progress to thrombosis and acute limb ischemia.…”

“…The pathophysiology of this condition involves chronic external compression of the superficial femoral artery within the adductor canal that ultimately leads to vessel injury, in-situ thrombosis, limb ischemia and potential limb loss [4], [5], [6]. The precise source of the external compression varies from case-to-case but published reports have described “embryologic” fibrous bands [5], [7], an anomalous musculotendinous band arising from the adductor magnus muscle [4] and hypertrophied adductor magnus or vastus medialis muscles [8]. Treatment is always surgical with some combination of musculotendinous release followed by an arterial revascularization procedure.…”

Lower limb vascular dysfunction in cyclists

“…Until a diagnosis is made, the coaches of many cyclists often label them as lazy or unmotivated 63 , which may force them to drop out of competition 3,11,16,21,23 . In fact, in a highly competitive sport, their blood supply is insufficient for their muscle activity demand 64 .…”

“…Failure in recognizing this type of vascular lesion may lead to the prescription of unspecific treatments for months or years and, consequently, unsuccessful results 7,10,21 . The lack of a specific and early diagnosis may often be explained by the fact that vascular lesions are mistaken or masked by musculoskeletal dysfunctions 5,8,10,15,21,22,27,38,59,64,68, such as muscle strain…”

Popliteal Artery Occlusion in a Young Baseball Athlete

“…Cystic adventitial disease can develop after repeated trauma for exertion, leading to occlusion of the popliteal artery. 2,8,9 We could not exclude this possibility because of the limitations of CTA in examining this pathological change. However, it seems unlikely because there were no ultrasound findings of expansion of the outer arterial wall mimicking aneurysm or any visualization of intramural cysts without blood flow on Doppler examination.…”