Ectasias

Ectasias (from Greek ektasis - stretching), a term used to denote the dilation of hollow organs, most commonly bronchi and blood vessels: bronchiectasis (see), angiectasia (see), and according to the structure of the vessels - arteriectasia (see), phlebectasia (see), telangiectasia (see). Diffuse cylindrical, saccular, and varicose ectasias are distinguished, when successive bulges form. In relation to blood vessels, the term is usually used to denote uniform diffuse dilation, as opposed to limited dilation - aneurysms. Ectasias can be stationary and progressive. Depending on the conditions of development, congenital and acquired ectasias are distinguished. Congenital angiectasias develop from vascular hamartomas (see Hamartoma). Underdevelopment of the bronchial tree can lead to the formation of bronchiectasis. In the pathogenesis of acquired ectasias, various organic and functional lesions of the corresponding systems play a role. These include destructive-inflammatory processes that lead to the destruction of the muscular-elastic layer, for example, bronchitis and bronchiolitis in measles, whooping cough, and influenza; vasculitis, arteriosclerosis, atrophic conditions (senile ectasia of the aorta), etc. Various stenotic processes lead to mechanical or compensatory stretching of the overlying and adjacent branches. Examples include: scar strictures of the bronchi, closure of the urinary tract lumen by a stone, compression by a tumor, hypertrophied prostate with subsequent stretching of the ureters and pyelectasia (see Hydronephrosis); thrombosis of blood vessels with circulatory disorders and compensatory expansion of collaterals. In addition, ectasias of the bronchi and capillaries can develop as a result of changed relationships with the surrounding tissue - atrophic and sclerotic processes in the organ parenchyma. Finally, neurogenic factors (angioneuroses, spasm of the bronchial muscles in bronchial asthma) can be a prerequisite for the formation of ectasias.