intimal hyperplasia
Pronunciation: IN-ti-mal hy-per-PLAY-zee-ah
Pathological thickening of the arterial intimal layer due to smooth muscle cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Common cause of restenosis after vascular interventions.
Full Definition
Intimal hyperplasia represents a pathological response characterized by the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells from the media into the intimal layer, accompanied by increased deposition of extracellular matrix components. This process results in progressive narrowing of the arterial lumen and is a primary mechanism of restenosis following balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical bypass procedures. The hyperplastic tissue typically appears as smooth, concentric narrowing on imaging studies, distinguishing it from atherosclerotic plaque which often demonstrates irregular, eccentric characteristics. Serial imaging is often required to monitor progression and assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to limit this response.
Usage
Usage note: Hyperplasia refers to increased cell number; distinguish from hypertrophy (increased cell size).
In Context
- "Follow-up imaging demonstrated focal intimal hyperplasia at the proximal anastomosis of the bypass graft." — Post-surgical imaging report