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 saphenous vein structure and its age-related changes. Methods: One hundred and forty-four specimens taken at different levels from 36 long saphenous veins were studied by correlated light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Continuous remodelling occurs in the wall of the long saphenous vein during the progress of life. In young subjects, the intima was narrow, circular muscular cells were present only in the media, and a rich elastic framework was evident in all the three tunicae. A progressive increase in collagen content and longitudinal musculature accompanied by a reduction in elastic tissue was observed in relation to ageing. Furthermore, at all ages, the saphenous vein wall thickened in its caudal portion due to a greater cellular proliferation and deposit of extracellular matrix. Conclusions: The topographical variations in saphenous wall structure as well as its age-related remodelling likely represent the parietal reaction to the physiological hydrostatic load related to the vertical pasture.