[Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in Senegal: an autopsy series of 116 african patients at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital (Dakar-Senegal)].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of atherosclerosis (aortic and coronary lesions) in Senegalese people, to determine main risks factors and morphological patterns.

METHODS: A prospective autopsy study was conducted in the pathology department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital (Dakar-Senegal) where 116 specimens aged over 5 years old were studied.

RESULTS: Autopsy study of 116 Senegalese specimens for atherosclerotic lesions revealed aortic lesions in 100 cases (86%), aortic and coronary lesions both in 48 cases. There were 88 men versus 12 women. The median age was 37.1 years comprised 5 to 77 years old. Hypertensive, smoking and abdominal obesity were detected respectively in 5 cases, 37 cases and 33 cases. In aortic vessel, the main lesions detected were severe fibrous plaques detected in 40 cases. In coronary arteries, fibrous plaques were detected in 18 cases, severe fibrous plaques in 17 cases.

CONCLUSION: Our study in Senegalese population showed existence of atherosclerotic lesions. These lesions were more responsible for complications as myocardial infarction.