Comparative Histological Study of Atherosclerotic Lesions and Microvascular Changes in Amputated Lower Limbs of Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients

Objetive: 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. (Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 2008; 52/7:1115-1123)