Elastin Degradation and Collagen III Deficiency in the Superficial Temporal Arteries of Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms

Hwang, Chul Yoon; Roh, Mi Suk; Huh, Jae Taeck

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We present the difference of histopathologic changes of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) and collagen III in the superficial temporal artery (STA) between aneurysmal patients and non-aneurysmal patients. Also, the pathologic data with clinical features by comparative methods to validate the risk factor of the intracranial aneurysm are presented.
METHODS
Samples of the STA were harvested form 38 patients including aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal patients undergoing craniotomy. Paraffin-embedded sections were examined, using hematoxylin and eosin, van Giebson and mouse anti-collagen III staining techniques. Histopathological observations were analysed and correlated with clinical features such as presence of aneurysm, hypertension, age, and sex.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients had the intracranial aneurysm. Of these 24 patients were 50 years old or older. Nineteen patients had a history of hypertension. Twenty patients were female. Histopathological study demostrated the derangement of IEL and the deficiency of type III collagen were prominent in aneurysmal patients (p<0.05). Fifty years old or older patients did not show correlation with the deficiency of type III collagen, but with the derangement of IEL (p<0.05). The female sex was not correlated with the derangement of IEL but with the deficiency of type III collagen (p<0.05). However, Hypertension was not correlated with these pathologic data.
CONCLUSION
Patients with intracranial aneurysms have severe histopathologic changes of the arterial wall showing the derangement of IEL and the deficiency of type III collagen. In the clinico-pathologic study, the advanced age and female sex were considered as risk factors of the intracranial aneurysm.