BACKGROUND: This study shows increased infiltration of mast cells in the walls of varicose veins in the lower limbs as an explanation of the pathogenesis of varix formation. METHODS: Great saphenous veins exhibiting varicosity were histologically examined after vein stripping surgery, and the numbers of mast cells in the varicose lesions were estimated in 20 high-power fields (x400). Normal-looking regions of the veins were referred to as controls, and normal saphenous veins were prepared during coronary artery bypass grafting and designated baseline controls. RESULTS: The varicose lesions showed a greater extent of mast cell infiltration (15.0 +/- 8.4 cells; mean +/- standard deviation), whereas control veins (5.9 +/- 4.0) and baseline control veins (4.4 +/-2.9) had a smaller number of mast cells. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that increased mast cell infiltration contributes to the development of varicose veins.
BACKGROUND: This study shows increased infiltration of mast cells in the walls of varicose veins in the lower limbs as an explanation of the pathogenesis of varix formation. METHODS: Great saphenous veins exhibiting varicosity were histologically examined after vein stripping surgery, and the numbers of mast cells in the varicose lesions were estimated in 20 high-power fields (x400). Normal-looking regions of the veins were referred to as controls, and normal saphenous veins were prepared during coronary artery bypass grafting and designated baseline controls. RESULTS: The varicose lesions showed a greater extent of mast cell infiltration (15.0 +/- 8.4 cells; mean +/- standard deviation), whereas control veins (5.9 +/- 4.0) and baseline control veins (4.4 +/-2.9) had a smaller number of mast cells. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that increased mast cell infiltration contributes to the development of varicose veins.