Occlusion of the Profunda Femoris Artery in Competitive Cyclists

Symptomatic lower limb ischaemia in endurance athletes and competitive cyclists is usually due to iliac artery compression syndrome. We report the cases of two competitive cyclists who presented with thigh claudication, with no previous cardiovascular or thrombo-embolic risk factors. They both had normal conventional and sports exercise tests. Further investigations revealed flush occlusion of the profunda femoris artery, believed to be due to dissection. Both patients improved with graduated exercise. We recommend contrast-enhanced MRA as the investigation of choice for this previously unreported condition.