MICROCIRCULATION IN HIGH PERFUSION MICROANGIOPATHY

Using laser-Doppler flowmetry in association with other noninvasive mi crocirculatory techniques such as transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 and capi llary filtration measurements it is possible to define two major types of microangiopathy. Low perfusion microangiopathy (LPM) is observed i n peripheral vascular disease, essential hypertension, Raynaud's disea se etc. Nigh perfusion microangiopathy (HPM) is observed in venous hyp ertensive microangiopathy and diabetic microangiopathy, In both these conditions there is an increased skin flux, decreased venoarteriolar r esponse and increased capillary filtration leading to edema formation. In HPM elastic compression and drugs acting on capillary filtration e ffectively reduce skin flux and the increased capillary leakage and ed ema formation.