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Histopathological changes in the wall of varicose veins

M A Wali1, M Dewan, R A Eid

  • 1Department of Surgery, Asir Central Hospital and College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. mahmoudwali@yahoo.com

International Angiology : a Journal of the International Union of Angiology
|July 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Varicose veins show increased fibrous tissue and decreased smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers. This structural change contributes to vein wall distensibility and pathological changes in varicose veins.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Histopathology

Background:

  • Vein wall distensibility is influenced by collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle cells.
  • Existing research presents conflicting data regarding connective tissue concentration and smooth muscle cell pathology in varicose veins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathological alterations in varicose vein walls at various anatomical locations.
  • To correlate structural changes with vein wall distensibility.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 49 vein specimens from 19 patients (16 varicose veins, 3 trauma controls).
  • Utilized Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and von Gieson stains for histological analysis.
  • Examined specimens from the long saphenous vein (LSV) at different levels and distal calf varicosities.

Main Results:

  • Varicose veins exhibited intimal hypertrophy with fibrous tissue infiltration.
  • Observed thinning of the muscle layer and loss of smooth muscle cells (SMCs).
  • Found deficient elastic fibers, disrupted elastin/collagen networks, and reduced muscle/collagen and elastin/collagen ratios.

Conclusions:

  • Varicose vein dilatation and distensibility result from smooth muscle cell and elastic fiber deficiency.
  • An disproportionate increase in fibrous tissue contributes to pathological vein wall changes.
  • These structural modifications explain the altered biomechanics of varicose veins.
Abstract

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