Remodelling: historical perspectives and definition of terms

The changes that occur in both the structure and geometry of blood vessels in pathological conditions has been termed remodelling. The importance of the changes in geometry have only been recently widely appreciated, although geometric remodelling has been recognized for more than 30 years. Geometric remodelling can be favourable, as occurs with compensatory enlargement, or unfavourable, as with constriction. Vascular remodelling is recognized to occur in a variety of pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, arterio-venous grafts, and following restenosis. A better understanding of the pathophysiology should permit development of new therapeutic strategies to treat these conditions.