We performed this study because the differential diagnosis of the arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell is challenging, due to a lack of clearly affirmative instrument based diagnostic criteria. Our main goal was to provide quantitative histomorphological information on arteriolar wall changes in patients suffering from an arteriolosclerotic ulcer of Martorell, in comparison with ulcerative or non-ulcerative controls. This information may facilitate the histological diagnosis, differentiating Martorell ulcers from other types of leg ulcers, and may also contribute to a better understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of this disease.