Morphohistological analysis of the prevalence and distribution of atheroma in the abdominal aorta and its branches: a cadaveric study.

Naveen Kumar,Seemithr Verma,Ashwini P Aithal

doi:10.1590/1677-5449.210014

Naveen Kumar, Seemithr Verma + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.210014

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Abstract

BackgroundAneurysms and atheromatous processes are prominent pathological features that are commonly associated with significant morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesThis cadaveric study was conducted to evaluate the morphometric and histological aspects of atheromatous plaque formation in abdominal aortas and their branches and their associated morphological variations, if present, characterized by loops, kinking, or tortuosity.MethodsThe study was performed using 30 human cadavers (approx. 65-75 years). Frequency of occurrence of calcified plaques in the abdominal aorta and its branches and their morphometric measurements were noted and histological features were observed with the aid of Hematoxylin & Eosin staining.ResultsVariations in the abdominal aorta and the common iliac artery were observed in 16.6% of specimens. Atheromatous plaque formation was seen in 2 specimens (1 specimen was associated with kinking) while in 3 other specimens only variation in normal structure (kinking/ tortuous artery) was observed. Histological analysis showed foamy macrophages and dense calcification, giving an atheromatous appearance.ConclusionsCadaveric reports of the location, nature, and degree of plaque formation in the abdominal aorta and its branches are extremely important in clinical settings and for choosing treatment options.

Highlights

The abdominal aorta enters the abdomen passing through the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra and ends at the fourth lumbar vertebra, dividing into right and left common iliac arteries
We examined the frequency of occurrence of atherosclerotic or atheromatous plaques in the abdominal aorta and its branches
In 1 of the 2 specimens with calcification, there was associated kinking of both right and left common iliac arteries (Figure 2). Calcification was seen both in the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries

Summary

Introduction

The abdominal aorta enters the abdomen passing through the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra and ends at the fourth lumbar vertebra, dividing into right and left common iliac arteries. Aneurysms and atheromatous processes are prominent pathological entities, commonly associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in recent decades These entities constitute circumscribed dilations found in arteries, characterized by progressive focal dilatation of the vessel wall, involving all three layers: intima, media, and adventitia, and may progress to rupture or dissection.[2] They are defined as aneurysm when the vessel diameter is greater than 3 cm or 1.5-fold its original diameter.[3] An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a permanent localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta. Objectives: This cadaveric study was conducted to evaluate the morphometric and histological aspects of atheromatous plaque formation in abdominal aortas and their branches and their associated morphological variations, if present, characterized by loops, kinking, or tortuosity. Conclusions: Cadaveric reports of the location, nature, and degree of plaque formation in the abdominal aorta and its branches are extremely important in clinical settings and for choosing treatment options

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