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Muscle changes in patients with varicose veins
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section A, Pathology
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Varicose veins significantly alter gastrocnemius muscle tissue, showing fiber type grouping and atrophy in most patients. These muscle changes, including NADH diaphorase abnormalities, were more prevalent than in control groups.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Muscle Histopathology
Background:
- Varicose veins are a common vascular condition.
- Potential muscle pathology associated with varicose veins is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate histopathological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle of patients with varicose veins.
- To compare these changes with those in healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy examination of gastrocnemius muscle specimens.
- Histochemical staining including modified Gomori trichrome, NADH diaphorase, ATPases, and phosphorylase.
Main Results:
- Only 4 out of 19 varicose vein patients had normal muscle tissue.
- Fiber type grouping with atrophy or angulated fibers was observed in 73% of patients.
- Abnormal NADH diaphorase distribution occurred in 68% of patients, compared to 11% of controls.
- Muscle fiber necrosis and phagocytosis were noted in 16% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Varicose veins are associated with significant gastrocnemius muscle histopathological abnormalities.
- These findings suggest a potential link between venous insufficiency and muscle degeneration.