Arterial calcification in diabetics.

Calcification of the media of the arteries of the lower limbs, giving a linear type of calcification roentgenologically is typical for diabetic arteriosclerosis. Spotty calcification of the arteries of the lower extremity, which histologically is found in the intima, is also seen a little more often in diabetics with gangrene. There are no major differences between the other histological vascular structures of diabetics and arteriosclerotics. Maximal stenosis of the lumen is found more peripherally in diabetics than in persons with normal carbohydrate metabolism. The results favour the idea of predominant femoropopliteal occlusion in arteriosclerosis and popliteal-tibial occlusion in diabetics.