Topographical structural variations of the human long saphenous vein and its age-related remodelling as revealed by correlated light and scanning electron microscopy

Objective: To study topographical variations of the healthy human long saph enous vein structure and its age-related changes. Methods: One hundred and forty-four specimens taken at different levels fro m 36 long saphenous veins were studied by correlated light microscopy and s canning electron microscopy. Results: Continuous remodelling occurs in the wall of the long saphenous ve in during the progress of life. In young subjects, the intima was narrow, c ircular muscular cells were present only in the media, and a rich elastic f ramework was evident in all the three tunicae. A progressive increase in co llagen content and longitudinal musculature accompanied by a reduction in e lastic tissue was observed in relation to ageing. Furthermore, at all ages, the saphenous vein wall thickened in its caudal portion due to a greater c ellular proliferation and deposit of extracellular matrix. Conclusions: The topographical variations in saphenous wall structure as we ll as its age-related remodelling likely represent the parietal reaction to the physiological hydrostatic load related to the vertical pasture.