What are the Histological Signs of Blood Vessel Disruption?

Histologically, disrupted blood vessels exhibit several characteristic changes. There may be evidence of endothelial cell damage, with gaps or discontinuities in the lining. The tunica media may show signs of smooth muscle cell necrosis or disorganization. The presence of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes is common, indicating an ongoing immune response. In cases of chronic injury, there may be fibrosis and thickening of the vessel wall, alongside the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in atherosclerosis.