Lenticulostriate arteries in aging process: an angiographic study.

Histological studies describe in detail the changes of the small arteries wall with controversial results concerning lumen narrowing during the aging process. In this study, the anatomic and the angiographic parameters of the medial and lateral lenticulostriate arteries were analysed in 64 carotid angiograms. Only 20% of the total number of lenticulostriate arteries were shown on angiograms. Collateral branches were rarely visible, especially those of medial group. The course of the lenticulostriate arteries was mostly straight or moderately tortuous. No significant differences were noted in any of the measured parameters when compared with the age (p greater than 0.05). It appears that age-related changes spread over external layers of small arteries, with no lumen narrowing or filling defect.