Fibrofatty changes in the muscles in arterial occlusions of the extremities

Widespread muscle alterations in the form of partial or full muscle fiber replacement by the fibrofatty tissue within the borders of the fascial sheath with the retention of the volume and topography of the muscles are observed in the obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower limbs arteries. These alterations are connected with a slowly progressing degenerative process due to chronic ischemia. The limb with a fibrofatty replacement (FFR) of the muscles is more resistant to the gangrene resulting from acute occlusion of the main arteries. The FFR should be correctly interpreted and considered when acute arterial occlusion of the lower limbs is diagnosed.