Angiomalacia
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Angiomalacia is a term introduced by Thoma to describe the relaxation and subsequent dilation of the arterial wall, primarily the tunica media, which precedes the development of arteriosclerosis. It can result from acute and chronic metabolic disorders, infections, intoxications, functional strain, and other factors.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ANGIOMALACIA (from Greek angeion-vessel and malakia-softening), a term introduced by Thoma to denote those processes of relaxation and subsequent dilation of the arterial wall (mainly the tunica media) that precede the development of true arteriosclerosis. The basis of A. may be acute and chronic metabolic disorders, infections, intoxications, functional strain, etc. Following A., in Thoma's opinion, compensatory proliferation of the inner vessel lining (angiosclerosis) begins to equalize the caliber of the arterial channel, leading to arteriosclerosis (see). Similar considerations are presented by Thoma also in relation to phlebo-malacia and phlebosclerosis (see).
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“Angiomalacia.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/angiomalacia/