What feature is characteristic of arteriolosclerosis?

Arteriolosclerosis is primarily characterized by hyaline thickening in small vessels. This occurs due to the deposition of plasma proteins in the vessel wall, leading to a homogeneous, glassy appearance under the microscope. This type of vessel wall change often results from sustained hypertension or diabetes, which cause damage to the endothelial cells and vascular structure.

The presence of hyaline material in the arteriolar walls contributes to luminal narrowing and compromised blood flow, which can lead to ischemic changes in various tissues. This feature distinguishes arteriolosclerosis from other types of vascular changes such as atherosclerosis, which involves larger plaques and affects larger arteries.

While vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy can be associated with different forms of vascular pathology, it is not the defining feature of arteriolosclerosis. Similarly, calcific deposits are typically associated with other forms of vascular disease, such as Monckeberg's medial calcific sclerosis, rather than arteriolosclerosis.