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[Media sclerosis: a case of pseudohypertension]
G H Hübner1, A Köhler, H J Triebel
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin III der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg.
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|January 1, 1995
Summary
A diabetic patient experienced a hypertensive crisis due to mediasclerosis, a condition affecting arm and leg arteries. Successful treatment involved antihypertensive therapy, leading to symptomatic improvement.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypertensive crisis is a severe elevation in blood pressure requiring urgent management.
- Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity associated with cardiovascular complications.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old diabetic patient presented with a hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure >300 mmHg).
- Initial antihypertensive therapy and Doppler-pressure measurements in limb arteries were ineffective.
- Duplex-sonography and soft-x-ray revealed mediasclerosis in the arms and legs.
Findings:
- Mediasclerosis, a hardening of the arterial media, was identified as the cause of pseudohypertension.
- True blood pressure, measured in compressible finger arteries, was found to be relatively low.
- Completion of antihypertensive therapy resulted in symptomatic improvement.
Implications:
- Mediasclerosis can lead to pseudohypertension, masking true blood pressure readings.
- Accurate blood pressure measurement techniques are crucial in patients with suspected arterial calcification.
- This case highlights the importance of considering underlying vascular conditions in managing hypertensive crises.