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Bilancini et al. Vessel Plus 2021;5:39 Vessel Plus
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.14

Review Open Access

Stasis microangiopathy: from pathogenesis to

treatment

1
1
Salvino Bilancini , Massimo Lucchi , Marco Ciacciarelli 2
1
J.F. Merlen Research Center for vascular diseases,via Mola Vecchia 4, Frosinone 03100, Italy.
2
Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Internal Medicine Unit, ICOT Hospital, “Sapienza” University of
Rome,Via Franco Faggiana 1668, Latina 04100, Italy.
Correspondence to: Dr. Marco Ciacciarelli, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Internal Medicine
Unit, ICOT Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Franco Faggiana 1668, Latina 04100, Italy. E-mail:
marco.ciacciarelli@uniroma1.it

How to cite this article: Bilancini S, Lucchi M, Ciacciarelli M. Stasis microangiopathy: from pathogenesis to treatment. Vessel Plus
2021;5:39. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.14

Received: 27 Jan 2021 First Decision: 10 Feb 2021 Revised: 18 Feb 2021 Accepted: 3 Mar 2021 Published: 11 Jul 2021
Academic Editor: Alexander D. Verin Copy Editor: Yue-Yue Zhang Production Editor: Yue-Yue Zhang

Abstract
Stasis microangiopathy includes all the pathological changes in the microcirculation and interstitium due to venous
hypertension. Venous valve incompetence occurring in the superficial or deep venous system or in both is the most
common cause of venous hypertension, a pathological condition that plays a key role in most or all clinical signs of
chronic venous disease, including edema and venous ulcers. The aim of the first and main part of this review is to
focus on the various pathogenetic mechanisms of stasis microangiopathy triggered by venous hypertension,
including hemodynamic and hemorheological alterations, inflammation, and functional alterations. The rationale
underlying the current available treatment options of stasis microangiopathy is mentioned briefly in the second
part of the review.

Keywords: Stasis microangiopathy, microcirculation, venous hypertension, chronic venous disease, venous ulcer

INTRODUCTION
The term stasis microangiopathy was coined by J.F. Merlen in 1984 to define all the pathological changes
[1]
in the microcirculation and interstitium. The entire microcirculation is affected, at the arteriolar, venular,
capillary, and lymphatic level. Venous hypertension represents the starting point of the cascade of
pathogenetic events [Figure 1]. In most cases, it is caused by reflux through incompetent valves occurring in

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