[Segmental arteriosclerotic occlusion of the infrarenal aorta]

Atherosclerosis involving the terminal aorta usually is a diffuse process that commonly includes the iliac and femoral arteries. Less frequently, the lesions are limited to the infrarenal aortic segment with normal distal vessels. Patients with isolated occlusion or stenosis of the infrarenal aorta tend to be younger, more often female and have slower progression of atherosclerotic lesions. There is a causative relationship of this well-localized form of atherosclerosis to the use of oral contraceptives and heavy smoking. In 90% of the cases, surgery of these lesions is limited to endarterectomy. End results are satisfactory in a majority of the patients. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty produces satisfactory early results for concentric stenosis, although long-term results have not yet been established.