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(Stroke. 1970;1:77.)
© 1970 American Heart Association, Inc.

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Physical Factors in the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Atherosclerosis

JOSEPH A. RESCH M.D.¹; RUTH B. LOEWENSON PH.D.¹; A. B. BAKER M.D., PH.D.¹

¹ National Institutes of Health

This report consists of an analysis of autopsy material from 5,031 cases. The cerebral vessels, as represented by the circle of Willis, were scored for severity and extent of atherosclerosis. The effect of physical factors on this process was considered. It is concluded from our data that LaPlace's law best explains the mechanical stress leading to injury of the vessel wall. The literature concerning this and other hypotheses is reviewed.

Key Words: autopsy • circle of Willis • LaPlace's law mechanical stress