Heterogeneous histomorphology, yet homogeneous vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation, characterize human aneurysm disease

Basic research is crucial for the elucidation of abdominal aortic aneurysm pathology and progress in detection, prediction, and possible nonsurgical treatment. Heterogeneity of aneurysms, as seen on histologic analysis, is thereby most often not referred to in clinical and basic research studies but might help to identify core mechanisms of aneurysm development. Implication on the clinical course is only about to be unraveled. Superordinate transcription factors, such as Kruppel-like factor 4 or transforming growth factor-β, were identified as being involved in aneurysm development, not only in aortic but also popliteal artery aneurysm, and are thus important targets.