Efficacy of low-density lipoprotein apheresis in arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities: two cases with marked alleviation of clinical symptoms.

We have recognized marked effectiveness for intermittent claudication with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis in two cases of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). The Case 1 was a 73-year-old man with intermittent claudication of both lower extremities (Fontaine class II), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed complete obstruction of the left common iliac artery, formation of a collateral to the peripheral portion of the left common iliac artery, and diffuse stenosis of the peripheral portion of the right common iliac artery. Ten sessions of LDL apheresis (LDL-A) improved the walking distance from 100 m before to 600 m after LDL-A treatment. The Case 2 was a 61-year-old man with intermittent claudication of the left lower extremity (walking distance: 200 m) began at 59 years. DSA revealed diffuse stenosis of the peripheral portion of the left popliteal artery. Ten sessions of LDL-A improved the walking distance from 200 m before to 800 m after LDL-A. At one month after the end of LDL-A treatment, DSA revealed formation of collateral to the peripheral portion of the left popliteal artery. Our findings suggest that LDL-A combined with drug treatment is safe and useful for the treatment of ASO, especially walking distance improved with short term treatment.