Approximately 40% of peripheral artery disease cases occur in individuals less than 50 years old. Diagnosis is often delayed due to fewer risk factors, atypical presentation, and symptoms attributed to a benign cause. We present an unusual case of an otherwise healthy 24-year-old male presenting with unilateral, intermittent claudication (IC) due to diffuse atherosclerotic disease in his left femoral arteries. Lifestyle-limiting symptoms caused by a four-year delay in diagnosis were improved with successful left femoropopliteal bypass. We use this case to review the differential diagnosis for IC and recommend early revascularization in young patients with severe disease and few comorbidities.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; bypass; peripheral artery disease; premature; young adult.