The So-Called Primary Venous Aneurysms

Abstract

The authors have observed numerous venous aneurysms among patients in Sardinia.

In the past 3 years 30 venous aneurysms have been diagnosed and treated. In seven cases the aneurysms were undoubtedly primary; owing to their position in the very low pressure system of the superior vena cava and because trauma, arteriovenous fistulas and cardiac or thoracic malformations were completely excluded.

After surgical excision the aneurysms were studied by histological and immunohistochemical methods. Antisera to desmin and to alfa-actin demonstrated significant depletion of smooth muscle cells in the wall of the aneurysm.