Microangiopathy
A microangiopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels, usually a particular manifestation of atherosclerosis. A sharp border with macroangiopathy (atherosclerosis of the major arteries ), there is not, in general, the term microangiopathy for small vessels used by the arterioles to the capillaries.
Often the term is used in connection with the diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and other metabolic disorders that lead to deposits and changes in the smallest arterial vessels.
In most cases of arteriosclerosis can be micro-and macroangiopathic changes demonstrate together. A pure microangiopathy is rare.
Arteriosclerotic (usually diabetic ) microangiopathy is very common, but remains often initially unnoticed.
In addition, there is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy. It is according to symptoms as Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura ( Moschcowitz syndrome) or hemolytic uremic syndrome ( HUS) called (see also Uremia ).
Vascular territories
From the microangiopathy all vascular regions of the body can be affected. In particular, the fundus of the eye, the brain, the heart and the kidneys are preferred areas microangiopathic changes:
- Kidneys
- Eye
- Heart
- Brain
- Feet
Diagnostics
The microangiopathy can be seen only under the microscope or by mirroring the fundus. In addition, there are indirect clues indicating microangiopathic changes, such as low protein loss by the kidney, or disturbances of the vessel regulating the leg arteries.
- Reflection of the fundus
- Nail bed microscopy
- Review of the regulation of vascular
- Microalbumin in urine
Follow
- Blindness
- Renal failure
- Chronic neurological deficits by a subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy
- Heart failure as a result of chronic circulatory disturbance and muscle destruction
- Gangrene
Therapy
- See treatment of atherosclerosis
- Laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy
- A number of drugs such as calcium dobesilate are marketed for special treatment of microangiopathy. A proof of concept does not exist for these drugs so far.
- Vasculopathy
- Disease in internal medicine