Arterial and Venous Histopathological Changes in Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease

Abstract

Introduction. This prospective study aimed to document and illustrate the arterial and venous histomorphological changes underlying atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.

The aim of the study is to find a link between these changes.

Material and method. A total of 30 popliteal arterial and venous segments were examined, from patients undergoing lower limb amputation between July 2011 and February 2012. The degrees of atherosclerotic stenosis, medial calcification and the degrees of damage to the vein wall were histologically quantified.

Results. Atherosclerotic plaque was noted in all 30 popliteal artery segments examined. Medial calcification was observed in 18 (60%) of artery segments. The degrees of damage to the vein wall was observed in 15 (50%) segments. There is a positive association between popliteal vein wall thickening and degree of stenosis of the popliteal artery (p=0.026) and a negative association between the histological classification of the atherosclerotic lesions and the venous diameter (p=0.000).

Conclusions. There is a positive association between atherosclerotic changes and the vein wall changes in peripheral atherosclerotic disease. These findings should be confirmed by further investigations.