Matrix metalloproteinases. Their role in degenerative chronic diseases of abdominal aorta.

Background: The main chronic degenerative diseases of the abdominal aorta, namely aneurysmatic and steno-obstructive pathologies, have a common denominator: atherosclerosis. Both pathologies are characterised by the destruction of the structural integrity of the extracellular protein matrix (ME). A number of studies have shown the presence and involvement of a group of enzymes with proteolytic activity towards one or more ME components, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the pathogenesis of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta.

Intraoperative assessment of cerebral ischaemia during carotid surgery.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in identifying clamping ischaemia during carotid surgery under general anaesthesia.

Methods: We reviewed the records of 196 consecutive carotid endarterectomies (CEA) performed under general anaesthesia, out of 1550 patients operated on between 1975 and 1993. SEPs were monitored after contralateral median nerve stimulation at the wrist in all patients.

Natural history of patients with carotid stenosis waiting for surgical treatment.

Background And Purpose: The natural history of carotid lesions has generally been evaluated in anedoctal series or in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and pathological modifications linked to an increasing waiting list in our region and the related medico-legal implications.

Methods: Neurological symptoms that occurred during the waiting period were evaluated in 282 out of 491 patients placed on the waiting list for a carotid stenosis less than 80% or without an unstable plaque.

Morbidity and mortality following carotid surgery.

The records of 920 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy by the same surgeon (M. D'A) between 1976 and 1989 were reviewed. Particular attention was paid to both the neurological and general complications and to how and when the neurological symptoms appeared.

Endothelial injury in human atherosclerosis.

A light and electron microscopic investigation (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) was performed on 51 human atherosclerotic carotid lesions. The purpose of this study was to establish whether features of endothelial injury such as those described in animals occur in man and whether these features can be related to specific stages of human atherosclerosis. Irrespective of their histological appearance the atherosclerotic lesions were covered with endothelium which showed non-specific changes in cell shape and size.

Elastic modulus in young diabetic patients (ultrasound measurements of pulse wave velocity).

Aim of this study is to confirm the validity of non-invasive evaluation with Doppler C.W. in the study of arterial diseases and in the identification of pre-clinical arterial lesions.