Acral arteriolar ectasia

Acral Arteriolar Ectasia

Acral arteriolar ectasia (pronunciation: ak-ral ar-teer-ee-o-lar ek-tay-zee-uh) is a rare vascular condition characterized by the dilation of small blood vessels, specifically arterioles, in the acral regions of the body, such as the hands and feet.

Etymology

The term "acral" is derived from the Greek word "akron" meaning extremity, while "arteriolar" refers to the small branches of an artery. "Ectasia" is derived from the Greek word "ektasis" meaning dilation or expansion.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of acral arteriolar ectasia is the presence of red or purple discolorations on the skin of the hands and feet. These discolorations are due to the dilation of the arterioles beneath the skin. Other symptoms may include pain, swelling, and in severe cases, ulceration.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acral arteriolar ectasia is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies, such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for acral arteriolar ectasia is primarily focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include medications to improve blood flow, such as vasodilators, and lifestyle modifications to reduce pressure on the affected areas.

Related Terms

• Arteriole
• Ectasia
• Vasodilators
• Angiography
• Doppler ultrasound

See Also

• Vascular diseases
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Raynaud's disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acral arteriolar ectasia
• Wikipedia's article - Acral arteriolar ectasia

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