Assessment of wall structure and composition of varicose veins with reference to collagen, elastin and smooth muscle content

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 1996 Feb;11(2):230-7. doi: 10.1016/s1078-5884(96)80058-x.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare collagen, elastin and smooth muscle contents of varicose and control long saphenous veins.

Design: Collagen, elastin and muscle were estimated stereologically using random sampling and histological staining.

Materials: Varicose vein samples were collected from nine patients (mean age 52 years, range 34-64 years) undergoing vein stripping, sample sites being saphenofemoral junction and knee. Control samples were taken from five patients (mean age 58 years, range 38-76 years) presenting for femoral-popliteal bypass at equivalent levels.

Methods: Veins were fixed, sectioned transversely, and stained with Picric Acid Sirius Red. Analysis of samples was performed using point and intersection counting on vertically projected images.

Results: Using two way analysis of variance tests, varicose saphenous veins had significantly larger wall areas (p < 0.01) and higher amounts of collagen (p < 0.01). Collagen content and wall area were significantly larger proximally compared to distally in both control and varicose veins (p < 0.05) with a higher content of smooth muscle and elastin in varicose veins proximally compared to distally (p < 0.05). There was no difference in wall thickness or elastin content between the two groups.

Conclusions: This suggests that varicose veins are a dynamic response to venous hypertension and are not thin walled structures as previously thought.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Elastin / metabolism*
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / pathology*
  • Saphenous Vein / metabolism
  • Saphenous Vein / pathology
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Varicose Veins / metabolism
  • Varicose Veins / pathology*

Substances

  • Collagen
  • Elastin