endarteritis
Summary
Inflammation of the arterial intima causing narrowing and thrombosis. Historically associated with tertiary syphilis (vasa vasorum); modern causes include vasculitis and infection.
Detail
Endarteritis is inflammation of the tunica intima leading to intimal proliferation, fibrosis, and luminal narrowing. Historically, endarteritis obliterans was a hallmark of tertiary neurosyphilis: Treponema pallidum invaded small arterial adventitia, causing arterial occlusion and ischemic stroke. Modern causes include vasculitis syndromes (Takayasu, PAN, ANCA-associated), infectious causes, and radiation-induced vasculitis. Treatment targets the underlying cause: antibiotics for infection, immunosuppression for vasculitis.
Sources
- Robbins Basic Pathology
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Pathoma
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