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Hemorrhagic and Necrotic Leg Ulcers in the Elderly *
Author(s) -
Kinmont P. D. C.,
McCallum D. I.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1967.tb01292.x
Subject(s) - medicine , arteritis , giant cell arteritis , gangrene , necrosis , pathology , surgery , vasculitis , disease
S ummary One hundred patients with leg ulcers or gangrene were investigated to determine whether any showed signs of any of the stages of giant cell arteritis. Thirty patients of 50 or more years of age with E.S.R. over 45 mm./hour, were selected for further investigation as suspects. The appearance of the patients and the character of their ulcers are described. Haematological and biochemical findings are contrasted with a selection from the control group, in the former there was frequent disturbance of the globulin/albumin ratio, and increase of the globulin fractions. No cryoglobulins were detected. An attempt was made to piece together the sequence of events from sections of the leg arteries of 50 patients. It is suggested that there may be similarities between some stages of Mönckeberg's sclerosis and giant cell arteritis. The role, of trauma is discussed. Many patients dated the onset of their symptoms to a severe injury and it is suggested that damage to muscle collagen may precipitate giant cell arteritis or an allied condition just as sunlight may precipitate cranial arteritis.