[Review of studies on the epidemiology of obliterating arteriopathies in Sicily].

Data relating to three statistical, clinical and epidemiological research projects covering a total of 350 cases of peripheral obliterating arteriopathy, collected by the same group from different Sicilian provinces and based on the same classification, are presented. Athersclerosis was a prominent feature (50% in the eastern provinces, 60% in the west), especially in the 6th decade of life. Diabetes, alone or in association with athersclerosis, was also more common in the west (18%) as opposed to the east (5--%). Burger's disease was noted in 3% and infection in 8% (presumably viral on 3.5%). Comparison is made with the national statistics produced by Corsi and the partial results of other Sicilian workers. The clinical data showed: a) the disease appeared at least 10 years earlier in subjects with athersclerosis and diabetes; 2) these subjects was also more exposed to the risk of coronary and cereabral involvement; c) asymptomatic forms were observable in 8% of atherosclerotics and 20% of those with both diabetes and athersclerosis. Reasons for the increase of degenerative forms throughout the world are discussed. Correct, systematic examination for the detection of forms with few or no symptoms is definitely required.