Phlebosclerosis: disorder or disease?

Morphological examinations were performed in a total of 318 subjects (168 men and 150 women). Electron microscopic and immunohistological examinations were added in selected cases. Phlebosclerosis is a fibrotic degeneration of the venous wall that is regularly found in non-varicose veins of aged persons. Although its incidence is age-related, no correlation exists between degree and age. Marked degrees may occasionally occur already below the age of twenty. Both sexes and all the superficial leg veins (various levels of the long saphenous vein and minor venous branches) are likewise affected. The intima of the superficial leg veins is predominately involved, but media and adventitia may also be affected. Although the morphological appearance is similar to that of arteriosclerosis, localization, progression and clinical consequences are different. Phlebosclerosis of superficial leg veins is a disorder of little direct clinical consequence, but may have an indirect influence on the wall contractility. In the deep leg veins, however, a distinct phlebosclerosis of the intimal layer may be responsible for the development of thrombosis. As a secondary alteration, phlebosclerosis may complicate varicose veins (fibrous degeneration of wall areas with tortuosity, ectasia and smooth muscle atrophy). These lesions may further impair the already deficient reflux function. However, phlebosclerosis is no prerequisite but a late sequel of varicosis.