
Background: Primary avalvular varicose anomalies (PAVA) are found in 4.6% patients with primary varicose veins and can be confused with neovascular tissue. These veins can be found in all compartments of the leg and are found more commonly in patients with pelvic venous reflux. Little is known about these atypical vessels and so we are reporting the histopathologic features of PAVA compared to a typical varicosity. Methods: A section of PAVA was removed under ultrasound guidance from a patient undergoing routine endovenous thermoablation for varicose veins, along with several varicosities extracted by phlebectomy. Venous tissue was fixed in buffered formalin and underwent routine histological processing into paraffin wax. Sections were cut 4 microns thick and were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Martius Scarlett Blue (MSB) and immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle actin (SMA). Stained sections were examined by a board-certified pathologist. Results: PAVA showed distinct differences from “normal” varicose veins. There were multiple protrusions into the lumen of the abnormal vessel, due to an irregularly enlarged media. The media was rich in collagen and there was a reduction in the smooth muscle cells found circumferentially throughout the media and adventitia. Varicosities removed by phlebectomy appeared normal, with all three tunicae clearly visible. Conclusions: Although the samples only came from one patient, they showed clear differences histologically PAVA and “normal” varicose venous tissue. This early report needs to be confirmed in a larger sample of patients and more work is needed to understand the exact derivation of PAVA.
Chronic Venous Disease
Chronic Venous Disease
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
