Diagnosis
The Ankle Brachial Index helps in the diagnosis of Leriche syndrome.
Tests used in the diagnosis and workup of Leriche syndrome are:
- Blood tests: These include:
- Measurement of lipid levels in the blood like total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Other tests like lipoprotein (a) and homocysteine levels, which show if a person is prone to plaque formation in the arteries, and Hb A1c levels, which indicates diabetes control, should also be done.
- Tests that could diagnose increased clotting of blood include prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, factor V-Leiden, factor II (prothrombin) C-20210a, anticardiolipin antibody, baseline protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III levels.
- Imaging studies: Imaging studies that help to diagnose the condition by locating the clot are:
- CT arteriography
- MR arteriography
- Contrast aortography
- Doppler derived Ankle Brachial Index: This is a simple test that not only detects the presence of a block in the peripheral arteries but also the degree of the block. The test results may not be entirely correct. It may be combined with a treadmill exercise stress test to detect minor blocks.
- Pulse volume recordings: Reduced pulse volume in the lower limbs may indicate the presence of a block in the arteries.
- ECG: An ECG or electrocardiogram should be done to rule out any associated heart problem.
