THE ARTERIOLES OF THE SKIN IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

[摘要] A measurable thickening of the arteriolar wall and a decrease in the wall-to-lumen ratio as compared to normal were found in vessels of the skin of hypertensive patients. The average of the wall-to-lumen ratio of the arterioles of 52 persons with normal blood pressure was 1:2.14; among 70 persons who had essential hypertension it was 1:1.57. All arterioles were not equally affected in the same case. Qualitative changes also were present. Hyperplasia of the nuclear elements of the media and thickening of the inner elastic lamina appeared to be the most common changes. Occasionally, complete occlusion of the lumen occurred. Four patients with normal blood pressure had medial hypertrophy of the arteriolar wall.