Martorelli's ulcer

Painful ulceration of the lower leg in association with diastolic arterial hypertension was first identified by Fernando Martorell Otzet (1906–1984),^[1] Spanish cardiologist, who referred to them as 'hypertensive ischaemic ulcers'.^[2][3]

It is characterized by multiple small homogeneous, symmetrical lesions, although single lesions are observed as well, most commonly located on the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg. The pain associated to these lesions is disproportionate to their size.^{[citation needed]}

It occurs predominantly in middle-aged women with poorly controlled hypertension in the form of skin ulcers on the anterolateral aspect of the lower legs. The lesions initially appear as small, painful blisters which may or may not be associated with trauma. The pathophysiology of Martorell ulcer is assumed to be related to hypertension-induced arteriole changes in the dermis. The pain is often disproportionate, and the symptoms are not relieved by rest or elevation.^[4]

References

1. ^ "Fernando Martorell Otzet (1906-1984)". Angiologia 36 (6): 267. 1984. PMID 6393826. 
2. ^ Shutler, S. D.; Baragwanath, P.; Harding, K. G. (1995). "Martorell's ulcer". Postgraduate Medical Journal 71 (842): 717–9. doi:10.1136/pgmj.71.842.717. PMC 2398295. PMID 8552533. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=2398295. 
3. ^ Alonso, T (1954). "Diastolic arterial hypertension and ulcer of the leg: Martorell's syndrome". Lancet 266 (6821): 1059. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(54)91622-0. PMID 13164326. 
4. ^ De Andrés, José; Villanueva, Vicente L.; Mazzinari, Guido; Fabregat, Gustavo; Asensio, Juan Marcos; Monsalve, Vicente (2011). "Use of a spinal Cord Stimulator for Treatment of Martorell Hypertensive Ulcer". Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 36 (1): 83–6. doi:10.1097/AAP.0b013e31820308b2. PMID 21455092.