Arteriosclerosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; {AE}}

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Arteriosclerosis refers to a hardening of medium and large arteries. The most common form of arteriosclerosis is atherosclerosis.

Historical Perspective[edit | edit source]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The following terms are similar, yet distinct, in both spelling and meaning, and can be easily confused: arteriosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a general term describing any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries (from the Greek Arterio, meaning artery, and sclerosis, meaning hardening), arteriolosclerosis is any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of arterioles (small arteries), atherosclerosis is a hardening of an artery specifically due to an atheromatous plaque. Therefore, atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Types[edit | edit source]

• Atherosclerosis is the most common form of arteriosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, thickening of the intima with plaques that can contain lipid-laden macrophages ("foam cells"). The plaques contain free lipid (cholesterol, etc.) and are prone to calcification and ulceration.
• Arteriosclerosis obliterans is typically seen in medium and large arteries of the lower extremity. Characterized by fibrosis of the intima and calcification of the media. The lumen of the vessel may be obliterated or markedly narrowed.
• Medial calcific sclerosis (Monckeberg’s calcific sclerosis) is seen mostly in the elderly, commonly in arteries of the thyroid and uterus. Characterized by calcification of the internal elastic lamina but without thickening of the intima or narrowing of the vessel lumen.
• Hyaline arteriolosclerosis refers to thickening of the walls of arterioles by the deposition of hyaline material. Often seen in kidney pathology.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Causes[edit | edit source]

Differentiating Arteriosclerosis from Other Diseases[edit | edit source]

Epidemiology and Demographics[edit | edit source]

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

Screening[edit | edit source]

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnostic Criteria[edit | edit source]

History and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

Laboratory Findings[edit | edit source]

Imaging Findings[edit | edit source]

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Medical Therapy[edit | edit source]

Surgery[edit | edit source]

Prevention[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Template:WS Template:WH