hyperbaric oxygen enhanced the healing of ischaemic, non-healing diabetic leg ulcers and may be used as a valuable adjunct to conventional therapy when reconstructive surgery is not possible.

Peak wall stress can be calculated from routinely performed CT scans and may be a better predictor of risk of rupture than AAA diameter on an individual patient basis.

The three disease-specific QOL instruments (CLAUS, VASCUQOL, SIP(IC)) showed a high degree of construct and convergent-divergent validity. Amongst the three disease-specific QOL instruments, the VASCUQOL was most responsive and we would recommend its use in clinical practice.

NCT00798850 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Introduction. There is growing evidence that heat shock proteins (HSPs), a family of stress-inducible proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Here, we systematically review the evidence behind this notion. Methods. A detailed literature search and extensive bibliographic review of literature relating to HSPs and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Results. Atherosclerotic vascular disease is classified into four main areas of presentation: carotid, coronary, aortic and peripheral vascular disease, for consideration in this review. In each of these vascular diseases, the evidence linking HSPs and atherosclerosis is outlined in a systematic manner. Current evidence suggests that components of the immune system may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with HSPs acting as auto-antigens in the immune response. HSPs are detected in atherosclerotic lesions and antibodies to HSPs are increased in patients with vascular disease; the rise often correlating with the severity of atherosclerosis. The levels of anti-HSP antibodies have been shown to be independent predictors of risk and have prognostic value. Conclusion. There is a strong link between heat shock protein expression and the principal manifestations of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. A better understanding of this involvement could lead to the development of new and improved treatment strategies.