[Usefulness of several laboratory tests on prethrombotic status in arterial vascular pathology]

The Authors analyze the clinical and biological meanings of some markers of coagulative activity (beta thromboglobulin, PF4, fibrinogen, fibrinopeptide A) and their changes in some arterial diseases. The role of main atherosclerosis risk factors (dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking and diabetes) in promoting a thrombophylic state in these pathological conditions is also considered. Finally the Authors evaluate the usefulness of the markers of coagulative activity from both a diagnostic and a preventive point of view in the arteriopathies of atherosclerotic etiology.