Arteriosclerosis

Not to be confused with Arteriolosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis
Classification and external resources
MeSH	D001161

Arteriosclerosis refers to a stiffening of arteries.

Arteriosclerosis is a general term describing any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries (from the Greek αρτηρία, meaning artery, and σκληρωτικός, meaning hardened)

It should not be confused with "atherosclerosis", which is a specific form of arteriosclerosis caused by the build up of fatty plaques in the artery.

Also known by the name "myoconditis" which is outdated and no longer in general use.

Types

• Arteriosclerosis obliterans is typically seen in medium and large arteries of the lower extremity. Characterized by fibrosis of the intima and calcification of the media. The lumen of the vessel may be obliterated or markedly narrowed.
• Medial calcific sclerosis (Monckeberg’s calcific sclerosis) is seen mostly in the elderly, commonly in arteries of the extremities. Characterized by calcification of the Tunica media but without thickening of the intima or narrowing of the vessel lumen. A similar form of an intramural calcification, presenting the picture of an early phase of arteriosclerosis, appears to be induced by a number of drugs that have an antiproliferative mechanism of action.