Microangiopática

Microangiopática is a medical term that describes a group of disorders affecting the small blood vessels of the body, specifically the capillaries and arterioles. This condition is characterized by damage and dysfunction of these tiny vessels, which can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the affected organs. The underlying causes of microangiopática can be diverse, including genetic predispositions, autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications.

The pathological process often involves the thickening of the vessel walls and the formation of microthrombi, or small blood clots, within the lumens of these vessels. This can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Common clinical manifestations may include anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells as they pass through damaged vessels (hemolytic anemia), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and organ damage such as kidney failure, neurological deficits, or skin lesions.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests to evaluate blood cell counts and kidney function, and sometimes a biopsy of affected tissue to examine the microvasculature directly. Treatment strategies are aimed at addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. This can involve immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune causes, anticoagulant medications, or specific treatments for conditions like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which are specific types of microangiopática.