Anyone here suffer from Illiac Artery Endofibrosis? Seems to be one of the most rare, yet dangerous over use injuries for cyclist. I am 30 years old and seem healthy plus I average 8 hours a week in the saddle years round so my chances seem slim. Most people who end up with it seem to average many more hours in the saddle or running. Just curious to know more about it and anyone who is/has dealt with it.
The below thread from Slow Twitch has some great info and stories:
It sounds exceedingly rare based on some case studies that I’ve read.
The interesting part is that it sounds like it doesn’t have a huge effect on blood flow at rest, so in general we measure leg blood flow with something called Ankle Brachial Index, which essentially is a ratio of leg to arm blood pressure. In athletes with endofibrosis they tend to have normal ABI at rest but it will be reduced after exercise. Essentially means that the evaluating physician needs to be looking for endofibrosis specifically to test for it.
Pauline Ferrand Prevot had surgery for it last winter and then raced the second part of the UCI MTB XCO world cup season and killed it. Unfortunately she just announced that she has another lesion in one of her legs so she is having another surgery. I don’t know much about it other than that though.
yep, same leg, different spot
hopefully she can come back in time for the Olympics!
just had surgery for it yesterday.
would it count as Blood Flow Restricted training (BFR)? 
Does anyone know if Cleveland Clinic can test it on a bicycle trainer?
or can you share any specific clinic that does it…
Thanks!
Hi @Ric_Oliv
I’m a physio and researcher in the area of FLIA (flow limitations in the iliac arteries).
I don’t know about Cleveland Clinic. I’ll pass along a list of physicians in the States whom other patients have mentioned. This is not an endorsement of any of these centres. Nor is this an exhaustive list.
I have only personally spoken with Dr. Lee. Their centre is to my knowledge the leading centre in the States diagnosing this condition, at least from a research publication perspective.
The first step might be to find a local sports med doctor. You may be able to ask around to find a centre who are experienced in diagnosing sport-related vascular conditions. Experience is important when trying to detect this condition, as many centres are not expecting vascular conditions in otherwise healthy, fit athletes.
Best of luck finding an answer to whatever issues you’re having. Let’s hope you don’t have this 