XXXX . Light and electron microscopic changes in aortic media.

@entity1 @entity82 @entity1949 @entity39 @entity1614 @entity2333 @entity731
The aortic wall of the @entity1 ascending aorta from 44 @entity1 operated on for @entity2333 ( @entity2333 ) was studied. Light microscopy revealed significantly greater cystic change, @entity1949 , @entity82 and disappearance of smooth muscle cells in aortic media in @entity2333 than in control specimens taken at autopsy. Occasional aortae, however, were morphologically almost normal. Eight of the @entity1 had @entity1614 . No significant differences were observed between them and the other 36 @entity1 , except for a tendency to have less pronounced @entity82 . There were 9 @entity1 who, in addition to the changes mentioned, had advanced @entity731 , and their aortae showed more extensive @entity82 and medial @entity39 . Pooling of proteoglycan matrix, degeneration of elastic lamellae, increased amount of collagen and @entity39 of smooth muscle cells characterized the electron microscopic findings of 13 @entity1 . The collagen fibers seemed to be of normal shape. In conclusion, changes in @entity2333 are characterized by severe @entity39 . The changes are basically similar in Marfan and non-Marfan @entity1 .
