Comparative histological study of atherosclerotic lesions and microvascular changes in amputated lower limbs of diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a comparative analysis of atherosclerotic lesions and capillaries changes in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.


METHODS
Leg arteries and skin of 57 amputated lower limbs of diabetic (47.3%) and nondiabetic patients were histologically examined. The percentage of arterial stenosis of infrapopliteal arteries and the histological classification of atherosclerotic lesions were determined. Capillary thickening was classified into four categories.


RESULTS
Diabetic group showed more than 75% stenosis in 57% (vs. 56% in nondiabetic) of the anterior tibial; 78% (vs. 68%) of the posterior tibial; 58% (vs. 50%) of the peroneal leg arteries. Diabetic and nondiabetic patients have predominance of type VI atherosclerotic lesions. The comparison of both groups showed no significant differences in atherosclerotic lesions. Diabetic patients had significantly more PAS positive capillary thickening (63% vs. 23%).


CONCLUSIONS
There were no differences in histological characteristics of atherosclerosis between the two groups. Capillary thickening has been more observed in diabetics.
Santos
Vanessa Prado dos
VP
School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. vansanbr@hotmail.com
Caffaro
Roberto Augusto
RA
Pozzan
Geanete
G
Saieg
Mauro Ajaj
MA
Castelli Júnior
Valter
V
D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001160:Arterioles; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002196:Capillaries; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors